Matthew M.
Yelp
Inside this ancient temple of food, glowing faces hovered over bowls of Provençal broths, stews and meat. It was if I were a parent looking in from a bedroom doorway onto a sleeping child. Their faces so content. Everyone at peace. At that moment, dreams were a reality to each of the entranced food seekers.
Aux Anysetiers du Roy, a medieval building in the charming Ile St.-Louis had plenty of dark wood, stained glass windows and ancient paintings on the walls-- all of which spoke of a different time. History Americans would struggle to relate to as our country is so new. In the same dining room was one older woman. A motherly figure who by herself cooked for the entire room. Watching her work the line was like watching a ballet. Every move synchronized, effortless and in rhythm. It was if she was born for this. So focused, yet when she would allow herself to look up from the stove, a warm glow to her face when she saw the delight shared with everyone who ate her food.
At our table, all of the traditional dishes were consumed; French Onion soup, Escargot, Cassoulet Maison, Boeuf Bourguignon and Crème Brûlée. We even washed the dinner down with a bottle of Bourdeaux. It just seemed right. Here we were, at a traditional French haven of food. A non touristy one at that. Eating traditional french comfort dishes that were executed flawlessly.
Sometimes food can be too complicated. Chefs experiment. Focus is lost. What isn't lost are timeless classics such as traditional French cuisine served the same way that it's been done since the beginning of time and availability of adequate cooking devices. At this restaurant, focus is not lost. This type of food will never be out of touch. It speaks from the soul and is perfect in aiding the gap between all cultures, backgrounds and ways of life. Comfort food is a connector. And during this dinner, our family shared a moment. Just a few days after exchanging wedding vows with my wife in the most romantic of all cities, this was when it all slowed down. Over a meal of stewed sausage, pork, duck and beans. In both flavor and context, memories were shared, made and about the future-- dreamed about.