Le Refuge des Fondues…. have you been?!
You know it’s autumn and then winter when you go out for fondu … especially in an area as charming as Montmartre. Le Refuge des Fondues is just the perfect getaway for an evening with friends.
Tucked up passed Abbesses, Le Refuge des Fondues offers a cozy space with two long tables along the walls of the restaurant. Your eyes will wander as there are writings and doodles across the entirety of the place. The space is controled by probably the most Parisian man I have ever met, who understands that his place is packed with foreigners every night. He was pleased for us to have one Frenchman at the table who dared to try the meat fondu (I’m pretty sure he doesn’t come across that often, he seemed full of joy). I’ve been to this place three times now, having always brought someone in town—– it’s a fun taste of unique Parisian food culture.
Upon arrival, you can only be seated if your party is completed (reservations are HIGHLY recommended). I will take this moment also to note that you cannot go and ” not eat”, it’s pretty much obliged that you order fondu. They serve it between groups of 2 or 4 people, but do not worry- the portions are quite large. With the 21 euro fixed menu you get the choice of cheese fondu (bread to dip in cheese fondu) or meat fondu (beef and potatoes to fry in oil). Both are delicious. To start, you’ll get a little aperatif, followed by some amuses-bouches to get your taste buds kickin’. Then comes the fondu (this course lasts quite a while). You get one baby bottle of wine included in your meal (white or red) and additional ones are only 2,50 euros…. pas mal! Afterwards you’ll finish off the meal with a fruit salad or if you want to splurge a bit more there are a few other options.
It’s a tight fit, but you’ll understand while reaching around the table for fondu food and fondu utensils that the baby bottles for wine are not a half bad idea. By the end of this dinner I think that all eight of us would have had a few red wine stains on our outfits had we not had those biberons.
Don’t forget: be ready to climb over a table, because that Parisian man who runs the joint will not let you get settled on the bench side of the table any other way. It’s part of the atmosphere! Be brave! Let loose!
On this particular night, full of laughter with great company and a full bellies, we all departed our separate ways from Montmartre into the autumn foggy night.
If you’ve got a night free in Paris and are craving an adventure a la montmartroise…. this is the place to go (after having made a reservation of course).
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Le Refuge
Address: 17 rue des Trois Frères
#: 01 42 55 22 65
Metro: Abbesses (12) or Anvers (2)
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