1P, this was one gem that we learned about from Talbott and visited a couple of years ago...

Today, we are heading over to the 16th and the chic shop of artisan butcher Hugo Desnoyer. Oui, un boucherie. But unlike any butcher shop that you are likely to see visit. Hugo is Paris' best butcher, supplying the city's rich and famous and many of the city's best restaurants. What is so unique is that Hugo also has an 8 person table d’hôte right in the shop, serving food and wine and offering a unique culinary experience in a relaxed communal atmosphere. This is absolute must stop for any foodie. Fortunately it is not yet well known as a "restaurant" ... ranked only #2,513 on tripadvisor. Even our concierge questioned my request for a reservation replying "it isn’t a restaurant but a butchery". As we arrived a little early for our 1PM rez, we strolled the neighborhood stopped for un café across the street.













And finally to Hugo's at 1PM where we were warmly welcomed by his staff.









Hugo brought us a glass of wine and charcuterie while we waited for our place at the table.





And then delicious truffle butter bread. Hey, we have nothing else planned this afternoon.



At around 1:15P our seats were ready and we joined two other couples who had already started their meal. A third couple joined us 10 minutes later. All the other couples today were from Paris (four native Parisians and two expat Americans) but everyone spoke English or some and we had a wonderful afternoon of eating, drinking and conversation in English, French and Franglais. All wondered how we tourists even knew about this place?

Another starter not on the menu. OMG, the foie gras was to die for. Sorry, I was so excited that I forgot to take a pic before I had devoured most of it.



Since the shop was closing tomorrow for the two week winter school holiday (seriously??) the usual prix fixe tasting menu was not offered, with everything a la carte. Mrs. SFO and I split the côte de boeuf pour 2 with frites, salad and veggies. And a lovely bottle of Burgundy.





Perfectly prepared veggies.



Wonderful dessert.





At sometime mid-meal, the original two couples left and their seats were taken by another two, including Hugo's wife and a family friend who had us in stitches with his story-telling. What a great afternoon!



If you are into foodie experiences, this is a must. And do it soon because once the word gets out and Hugo opens his planned Tokyo shop, it will be tougher than ever to experience the real deal with Hugo. We lucked into it by stumbling on John Talbott's Paris food blog, a frank review (pics and no hold commentary in FT trip report fashion) of one expat Parisian eating and drinking his way around Paris.