Paris Restaurants: Le Steaking

Paris Restaurants; Le Steaking

I never pictured myself in a Paris restaurant that claims to be a “New Yorkaise” style steakhouse because I can get that anytime where I live most the year, New York. But due to a number of circumstances I found myself the other night, drinking a martini and enjoying myself in just such a place over in the sixth arrondissement with my sister, her husband and mine.

Bar at Le Steaking, photo by A Good Forking Blog

It was nice to see that there were very few tripists there especially considering we were in St. Germain and it was particularly pleasing to enjoy a proper martini. Finding a well-made vodka or gin martini, nicely chilled and served straight up with olives is still sadly quite rare in Paris. You often receive way too much vermouth or a tiny pour of vodka, and there are few things as disappointing as a bad martini, especially if it’s your drink. The bartender himself actually came over to our table to ask how we liked them made and we gave him our “family recipe”.

The perfect martini, photo by Ken at the Brudberg files

Swish around some vermouth with ice while at the same time chilling the glass and then pour it all out, The residue of vermouth that lines the glass is just enough. Then pour in your vodka (or gin) and garnish with 2 large olives or a twist as you prefer and don’t go light on the pour mind you. We are all olive people in our family. Even with the advent of proper cocktail bars in Paris, I have still found it quite difficult to achieve what we had that night, a perfectly made martini.

Our bartender at the downstairs bar making our martinis

We were off to a good start. Next we had to choose where we wanted our steak from; the USA, Argentina or France, with or without a bone or perhaps a skirt steak? We chose the Argentinian to share and were not disappointed, in fact I remember saying that it was nearly the best steak I’d ever had. It might have been the martini talking but I’m from Nebraska, which is cow country, and while I don’t eat it often steak is a religion in my hometown and this place shone very brightly. Sides included macaroni with foie gras, gratin potatoes with truffles and spinach all of which were perfectly made, the macaroni is not to be missed.

Sublime macaroni with truffles

Atmosphere at Le Steaking is pleasant in a dark, very masculine way with several floors including a cigar bar at the top for the men to enjoy with a little scotch after dinner. I must say that with the offering of different cuts and sourcing for the beef, I felt the owner had given his own spin on the New York or Chicago classic steakhouse menu. Plus, adding the ability to choose one of more of the three sauces on offer, all of which were delicious, gave it a distinct French touch as well. It’s quite expensive, just like a New York steakhouse but service was excellent making this new establishment one I’d head back to.

Le smoking room at Le Steaking

In a nutshell: When you are fed up with French fare and pining for a perfectly cooked steak and an expert martini to pair it with, head directly to Le Steaking.

If you like this then you’ll enjoy trying Le Severo for award winning steak frites.

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Le Steaking

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