11, rue d’Armaille
75017 Paris
Phone: 01.44.09.05.10
Metro Station: Argentine (Line 1)
Type of cuisine: French
Days & hours of operation: Tues to Sat Noon – 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m
Credit card: Visa, MC, Amex
Zinc Caïus is a compact restaurant with narrow chairs and small tables. For those for whom dining in a restricted space does not pose a problem, their reward will be great food!
We entered shortly after the restaurant opened and were seated at a tall table, where we perched upon bar-style chairs. As our early arrival allowed us to study the restaurant at our leisure, we noted that the zinc-grey façade of the bistrot was echoed in the shoulder-high zinc molding of the interior; the zinc frame of the mirror; and the zinc counter of the bar. The metallic theme was repeated with the futuristic-looking light fixture on the ceiling, made of copper and brushed iron.
As the restaurant does not offer a fixed-price menu, we ordered à la carte from a list of dishes displayed on a chalkboard affixed to the wall.
We both chose the Millefeuille végétarian (pistou) as a starter. The “millefeuille” was a layered vegetable dish, alternating thinly-sliced, picked cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, held together in gelatin. We found the slightly smoky flavor of this dish intriguing and appetizing. It would be a wonderful dish for a hot, summer day!
For the main course, I ordered the plat du jour. Named Poêlée de Langoustines, riz vénéré (jus crémeux crustacés et wasabi), it was a serving of langoustine (Norway lobster) on a bed of savory black rice. The rice was cooked al dente, providing texture to the dish. A frothy wasabi-flavored sauce added piquancy.
My partner ordered the Bœuf (entrecôte) de Bavière, Race Simmental, purée de PDT, requesting that a leafy-green salad be substituted for the potato purée. While she asked that the rib-eye cut of beef be cooked à point (medium), the portion that she received was well-cooked at the edges. However, this did not seem to dampen her enthusiasm for the flavor of the meat, which was garnished with a small dollop of cooked shallots.
Thick-sliced country bread was served alongside in a basket.
To accompany my meal, I selected a glass of Xavier Guillaume Chardonnay des Vieilles Vignes 2008 Franche-Comté, a full, dry, white wine. To accompany her starter, my partner ordered a Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauvignon 2007, a limpid, soft, and fruity white. For her main course she selected an Abbaye Sylva Plana – Faugères – La Closeraie 2007, a dense, dark, spicy red that mellowed over time.
As I like to try different desserts each time I dine out, I opted for the Chantilly de semoule (framboises & mûres). I received an orange-colored bowl containing a large dollop of whipped cream into which had been folded finely ground semolina made from durum wheat. The dense mousse was flavored with vanilla and garnished with raspberry coulis, blackberries, and raspberries. It was sweet and delicious!
For her dessert, my partner selected the Pain perdu, glace caramel et noisettes (Maison). The dish consisted of French toast made from a one-inch thick slice of country bread that had been dusted with powdered sugar. A scoop of caramel ice cream was served on the side. The densely textured bread released a wonderful flavor of butter and spices with each bite.
During the meal, we noted that the waiter took care to explain the menu in English to an American couple that was seated across the room.
The bill for two, including two aperitifs, two starters, two main courses, two desserts, three glasses of wine, and one espresso came to 95.50€.
Except for the size constraint noted above, we think that American travelers looking for a great meal at a contemporary French restaurant will be pleased to dine here!
Tom Reeves has been a confirmed Francophile since he first traveled to France in 1975. A native of northern California, he moved to France permanently in 1992. Reeves’ love of French language and culture inspired him to create Discover Paris!, a travel planning service that caters to Americans interested in cultural travel to Paris. His book, Paris Insights – An Anthology, has been called “the kind of insider’s view of the French capital…that first or even second time visitors pine for.” He publishes a monthly newsletter entitled Paris Insights about history, culture, and contemporary life in the City of Light, and posts daily information about the French capital on Facebook.
