Trâm 130 - Review - 11th Arr. - Paris - The Infatuation

"The Parisian neo-bistro meets the Southeast Asian canteen at Trâm 130. Pronounced Tiam (the chef’s last name), Trâm 130 is a refreshing change in a neighborhood full of hipster wine bars and street food restaurants. The menu is divided into traditional French-style starters, mains, and desserts, but following that format is too restrictive given how many excellent dishes you should try before giving up your seat. And while the mains are nice (if pricey for the area), the more impressive dishes bookend the menu. You’ll want to start with at least two orders of the comforting crunchy miso-roasted red kuri squash and comté croquettes (the fillings change seasonally), then follow it up with the Thai-inspired tangy salad that skips the papaya for julienned seasonal French vegetables in a tamarind dressing. Next, add on the razor clams cooked in beer and set on top of garlicky, lemongrass-and-thai-basil butter, and the chicken wings glazed with nuoc-mâm and lime—the only constant among the starters. Skip the cheese course and go for the light-as-air Basque cheesecake sprinkled with lime zest for dessert." - Lindsey Tramuta