thepariskitchen

After working with Yves Camdeborde for 12 years at La Regalade, Stéphane Jégo took over the Basque restaurant L’Ami Jean on a quiet street near the Eiffel Tower and turned it into one of the most popular bistros in Paris. Hot, loud and busy, Jego is serving fantastic rustic comfort food in take no-prisoners portions to a diverse rock and roll crowd – and it is not for the faint of heart.

For starters, don’t miss the signature cream of Parmesan bacon soup poured over cinnamon seared foie gras seasoned with onion, chive and crunchy crouton bits before braving the other hearty prix fixe or a la carte dishes.

Jego has also embraced social media, using his iPhone to post photos on Facebook as the seasonal ingredients come in each day from the producers: crates of whole fish, lobsters, crabs, scallops and oysters – and for meat and game? Nose-to-tail whole pigs, ducks, pigeon, sides of beef and deer.

Just when you’ve run out of excuses for the servers who give you a hard time about not being able to finish your meal – the enormous bowl of riz au lait with caramelized pralines comes to the table.

I’m not kidding, this place comes with a warning label: Jego’s mission is to feed you like nobody’s business – sending plates back to the kitchen half-eaten is a no-no. For groups of friends looking for a good time, this is for you. If you are on a diet or a vegetarian, don’t go.