AHA’S FAVORITE PARISIAN RESTAURANT OPENS IN NYC
arthisto February 16th, 2010
Steak Frites in Paris and Now in NYC
Hello Everyone,
A good friend who visited Paris with me many years ago, recently sent an article published in The New Yorker, February 8, 2010, page 12. I am very happy tosay that Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecote opened its doors in NYC. This fifty year old Parisian restaurant is a stand out favorite of AHA’s, and if you have traveled to Paris with me in the last fifteen years, this is where you dined your first night. Absolutely famous for the one thing that it serves up to hungry diners every night, are the steak frites, smothered in a secret sauce that makes ones knees go weak. Starting to come back? Ringing any bells? Drooling yet? Many of you have begged me to return to L’Entrecote for a second meal before the trip home, which I am always happy to do. Not only have all of my guests experienced L’Enrecote, but over the years, we have recommended it to anyone on their way to the City of Light. And even though they serve just one prix fixe entree, preceded by a small but good salad, and some crunchy butterless bread, all for $24.00, they offer no less than ten to twelve desserts, for a few dollars more. The most famous being Profiteroles, and my favorite, the Berry Tulip. (photos below)
For years people have tried to recreate this fabulous savory sauce by first guessing its ingredients. Many fun AHA evenings have been spent in Paris around a table at L’Entrecote as my guests and I try our hardest to figure it out.
Some years back a friend and wonderful cook, Katie McKenny, decided she thought she had it. A few weeks after returning home I received her recipe for what she called “Cyndie’s First Night In Paris Secret Sauce”. I have made this sauce many times, usually by request (or demand), and it is very, very close. In fact, the recipe is barely legible for the splatter stains. I thought it would be fun to post Katie’s recipe here, and hope that the next blog photo you see of me will NOT be in handcuffs, being lead away by the Haute Cuisine police.
Have fun with this and let me know if you think Katie got it!
Cyndie’s First Night In Paris Secret Sauce
By Katie McKenny
Profiteroles ala L'Entrecote
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
4 3″ pieces of lemon grass
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 can coconut milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt and some freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup red wine
meat juices
In the hot oil, cook lemon grass, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and chili powder for about 6 minutes, stirring.
Add coconut milk, mix well and simmer very slowly to thicken, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove lemon grass. Taste and adjust.
Just before serving add wine and the meat juices after you have sliced the meat.
For more information on the new Le Relais De Venise L’Entrcote in NYC visit: http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-relais-de-venise-lentrecote-new-york
The Berry Tulip ala L'Entrecote