Due to a canceled flight, I had an extra night in Paris (there are worse cities to be stuck in) and was able to snag a table at Le Bon Georges in the 9th arrondissement. It doesn’t get more classic Parisian bistro, and in addition to a terrific menu of classic dishes, they have an incredible wine list.
On this occasion, I went with a standard Pâté en Croûte de Canard, followed by their Oeufs Mayonnaise, and lastly, a Coq au Vin. While the Pâté and Coq au Vin were enjoyable (although not as good as they should have been), the Oeufs Mayonnaise was incredible and easily the finest plate of the evening. I grew up eating Midwestern deviled eggs, but this took things to a whole other level.
Sommelier Maud Mathieu
For the wine, I had Bordeaux the previous night at L’Ami Louis, and it felt like a Southern Rhône evening. A bottle of 2019 Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée was tight and closed, with good concentration but a dense, harder-to-read style. I think it will get there, but it needs 4-5 years in the cellar to come around. In contrast, the 2019 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf du Pape was absolutely singing and loaded with sweet red fruits, Provençal garrigue, and spice. It was full-bodied but all about elegance and finesse, with sweet tannins. The 2019s are incredible from the Southern Rhône, and this vintage is clearly going to rival the 2007s, 2010s, and 2016s.
All in all, it was another great evening, and it might be the first time I was grateful a flight was canceled.