For Tom, and indeed for me, a search for the perfect steak frites has become an all-consuming quest – driven by a singular focus on understanding this quintessential French dish. While Paris is not lacking in excellent steakhouses, each of my visits was more about sampling the diverse culinary landscape than searching specifically for perfection.
I kicked off our excursion with a visit to Robert et Louise, a homely outfit in the Marais that has been cooking up a storm since 1950s. Over an entrecôte (AKA ribeye) served with sautéed potatoes and a green salad dressed with classic vinaigrette, I was struck by how straightforward yet satisfying the dish was. The extra minute or so of rare cooking brought out the fat in the meat, rendering it tender and juicy.
Next up, we headed to Brasserie Lipp on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a taste of rump steak served with fries that could have benefited from being cooked more recently. While the service was top-notch – our waiter François explained his standing in the pecking order with a dry wit – the dish itself fell short.
Our third stop, Le Pick-Clops, proved to be an instant hit, despite its humble exterior and retro decor. A beautifully seasoned rump steak paired perfectly with slaw, roast potatoes, and shallot sauce set my taste buds singing. The lesson I took away from this experience was that sometimes it's better not to overthink things – skipping the queue and embracing serendipity can lead to an unexpectedly perfect meal.
As we made our way home on the Eurostar, Tom started sketching out his vision of the ultimate steak frites in London. By the time we returned, he had nailed down the details – an onglet served with skinny chips, dijon mustard, and a side of smartly dressed leaves. For me, however, perfection lies not in some predetermined formula but in the thrill of discovery. My perfect steak frites remains a mystery, waiting to be uncovered by chance or circumstance.
In the end, our Parisian odyssey proved that the search for perfection is often more alluring than the destination itself – and that sometimes, it's okay to let things just happen.
I kicked off our excursion with a visit to Robert et Louise, a homely outfit in the Marais that has been cooking up a storm since 1950s. Over an entrecôte (AKA ribeye) served with sautéed potatoes and a green salad dressed with classic vinaigrette, I was struck by how straightforward yet satisfying the dish was. The extra minute or so of rare cooking brought out the fat in the meat, rendering it tender and juicy.
Next up, we headed to Brasserie Lipp on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a taste of rump steak served with fries that could have benefited from being cooked more recently. While the service was top-notch – our waiter François explained his standing in the pecking order with a dry wit – the dish itself fell short.
Our third stop, Le Pick-Clops, proved to be an instant hit, despite its humble exterior and retro decor. A beautifully seasoned rump steak paired perfectly with slaw, roast potatoes, and shallot sauce set my taste buds singing. The lesson I took away from this experience was that sometimes it's better not to overthink things – skipping the queue and embracing serendipity can lead to an unexpectedly perfect meal.
As we made our way home on the Eurostar, Tom started sketching out his vision of the ultimate steak frites in London. By the time we returned, he had nailed down the details – an onglet served with skinny chips, dijon mustard, and a side of smartly dressed leaves. For me, however, perfection lies not in some predetermined formula but in the thrill of discovery. My perfect steak frites remains a mystery, waiting to be uncovered by chance or circumstance.
In the end, our Parisian odyssey proved that the search for perfection is often more alluring than the destination itself – and that sometimes, it's okay to let things just happen.
i had this amazing dream where i was at this tiny diner in the city with a plate of perfectly cooked steak frites... like, it was just melting in my mouth 
but then i woke up and realized i need to make some reservations at that new restaurant u know what i mean about not overthinking things? 
i tried making steak frites for myself last wknd and they were basically a disaster lol did i mention i saw this cute cat walking down the street while i was waiting for my coffee 
. I mean, who needs some fancy-schmancy restaurant when you can stumble upon a hidden gem? I've had my fair share of epic meals at random eateries and food trucks, and let me tell you, it's always the most memorable ones that stick out in your mind.
. It just goes to show that you don't need to follow some predetermined formula to end up with an amazing meal. A little bit of chance, some open-mindedness, and a willingness to try new things – that's the secret to finding your own perfect steak frites 
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I'm so down for the casual hunt for the perfect steak frites in London! Skipping the queue and embracing serendipity sounds like a solid plan to me 
. It's actually kinda cool how Tom came up with his vision for the ultimate dish on the Eurostar, but at the same time, I think there's something special about not overthinking it and just letting chance happen. Maybe we can collab and try out different spots in London together? That way, we can figure out what works and what doesn't without overcomplicating things 
but seriously did u know steak sales increased by 15% last year alone?! 
meanwhile, the average price of a steak in paris is around €25 per serving... meanwhile, i was at brasserie lipp and their fries cost extra €5 
btw, le pick-clops had an avg rating of 4.8/5 on google reviews 
I mean, Paris has some amazing spots, but it's hard to pin down what exactly makes a dish "perfect". For me, it's all about that serendipity factor – stumbling upon a hidden gem or trying something new and unexpected. And let's be real, sometimes those fries can get a bit cold 
. But seriously, I think the key is finding a spot that's willing to take risks and try new things, rather than playing it safe all the time.
And hey, even if we don't find the ultimate steak frites in Paris, I'm sure we'll have a blast trying.
I'm intrigued by this whole steak frites thing - sounds like a classic French dish with so many variables to consider. The idea of visiting different restaurants to find the perfect one is pretty cool. 
I've been there myself, trying out different burgers in NYC and feeling like I'll never find the ultimate burger until I try that other place. 
Who needs a predetermined formula when you can have an unexpected delight?
. I mean, think about it, these guys are travelin' around Paris, eatin' at all these different steakhouses, and they're always on the lookout for that one perfect meal... but what if they're just followin' some agenda? What if someone's tryin' to manipulate their taste buds or somethin'? 
. Don't even get me started on the Eurostar ride – they're just tryin' to get you to relax and let your guard down so you don't notice all the hidden patterns 
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. I personally think perfection is overrated u just gotta enjoy the ride and see where it takes u 
i went to this tiny spot in greenwich village that served the most epic cheeseburger but then i found out it was only available for like 5 minutes a day 
what even is that?! meanwhile tomolife has been on a steak frites quest and i'm low-key jealous 