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La Fontaine De Mars, Paris


I fell in love with this lovely neighborhood bistro (here since 1908) a few years ago while renting a dream apartment with my husband and three sons.  My husband and I ate dinner here while the boys wanted to get some rest after walking through more arrondissements than they would care to in one day.  We had such a wonderful experience that we booked a return visit for all of us.  A few days later, the boys, my husband and I were happily sitting in the upper level of the restaurant, and since one of our sons was a picky eater, the waiter kindly offered to make him something that he would be able to eat.  The upper level of Le Fontaine De Mars is not a no man's land like in some restaurants, where usually the foreign tourists are seated.  It is a very pretty part of the restaurant filled with a combination of foreign and local patrons.


 We have returned to La Fontaine De Mars many times now, and each experience has always been very positive.




What's not to love here?  The old wooden bar, the tiled floor, the red and white checkered tablecloth and napkins; all create that perfect French bistro that I personally find tres charmant.




The menu is full of reliable and delicious southwestern (French) dishes.




In addition to the regular menu, daily specials are written on a blackboard by the front door.



 Shortly after sitting down we received fresh bread, butter, and slices of sausage.  I did not eat the sausage but my mom said that it was wonderful.  She is Polish - knows her sausage:)


Funny, I don't eat foie gras in NY, but can't resist it while in France.  So, that is what I started with, and it was a great way to begin a lazy weekday lunch.


Duck confit is something that I have enjoyed at this restaurant many times so decided to stick with what I really love.  The duck was moist and flavorful and the sauteed potatoes, well, what can be wrong with spuds straight from a pan?  I say nothing!


Mom got the special of the day: Blanquelle de veau (veal stew) with rice and mushrooms.  The veal was melt in the mouth tender; sheer perfection.


 Normally, I would have enjoyed a nice dessert but our plan was to meet friends at a patisserie in the neighborhood. 


Le Fontaine de Mars is a lovely bistro run competently by caring people.  The food has consistently  been tasty,  and served with a smile. 
While you are there, rue Saint-Dominique is filled with great shops, bakeries, and restaurants, all worth checking out.



La Fontaine De Mars
129, rue Saint-Dominique

Joanna

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