La Tête de Goinfre, Encore!

The Glutton's Head, Again!

16 Rue Jacquemont -18- 75017 Paris.

Perhaps you will be disappointed in Fred and myself. Really, we aren't being very exciting, foodwise. So far, on this trip, we have eaten at no less than 10 or so sometimes average establishments that either one, or both of us, have eaten at before. If we had heaps of cash, or if we were visiting an unknown location we would be far more exciting. But this trip is more about the fimilial. We revisit the places that recall good memories. We eat where our friends and families eat. It is more about being a real local than being a tourist.

On our last visit to this "Cave du Cochon", we were satisfied but not in awe of our meal. But because we had stayed overnight a couple of blocks away, and because we woke up only in time to go for lunch somewhere close by, we ended up at that this cute, charming and very friendly little restaurant again, nevertheless.

In line with the theme of everything pig, much, but not all, of the menu is based on porc products. They have a specials menu (pictured left), as well as the regular menu written on a large blackboard. If you ask, they have a little copy of the blackboard, chalked in English, that they will bring to your table. Funny thing is, for some reason, when it comes to translating words for food, mon Francais is much better than at other times and I find myself understanding most of what is on offer.

A complimentary serving of delicious, dry saucisson sec with nuts and some spicy pickled vegetables.


Jambon Persillé Ham in gelee with parsley and garlic. Very flavourful but the meat was a little too dry.


Ouef dur Mayo Hard boiled eggs with mayonnaise. The homemade mayonnaise had a fantastic texture but the flavour was disappointingly bland.


Onglet de Boeuf aux Chanterelles A fat juicy Hangar Steak presented peasant-style on a wooden board with a mound of flavoursome chanterelle mushrooms. Potatoes were crispier than crispy. How can anyone possibly manage to eat all of that for lunch?


Fred was bemoaning how average the food is at La Tête de Goinfre. "Why do you come here if the food isn't that great, then?" I asked him. "Because I like the place, it's a typical little French Bistrot", he replied. Sometimes atmosphere and familiarity just wins out over expectations of the food. In my thoughts it shouldn't, but in reality it so often does. Even though I don't want to, I allow it to happen over and over again. I can't explain why. Funny that.



PS. This review was "Back for Seconds"

Archive Alert! On this Thursday in 2004 we shared our fabulous experience of Death by Choucroute. There is even mention of Pierre Herme in that post. And Pierre Herme is where Fred has promised he'll take me later today.

Food | Pigs | Dining | Paris | Back for Seconds

La Tête de Goinfre, Encore!