Les Chiens Rouges

You would say that it isn't of much use blogging about a restaurant situated in some village an hour or so north of Paris. But then life is made of surprises and you never know when you may, for some reason, end up somewhere in the Vallée du Matx, in Mélicocq near Compiègne, hungry and looking for a place to rest the bum and fill the stomach. Then mayhaps you will recall Beau Lotus and her entry on this little restaurant Les Chiens Rouges and exclaim, "God Bless her (not so) little person!"

Actually we got to know the restaurant via MIL who got to know it via E whose ex sister-in-law is Head Waitress in said establishment. Anyway, it is a typical simple and good French restaurant, working with seasonal ingredients, reinventing classical dishes from time to time, having a good time in the kitchen quoi.

And of course very good value for money. Fixed price menu at 20 Euros with starter, main course, cheese or dessert.

I started with Duck Liver over a Green Bean Salad (yummy vinaigrette), followed by Lamb Chops served with a Ratatouille Purée. For dessert I had the Red Fruit Millefeuille. I saw the folks at the next table enjoying a very nice-looking Gratin de Fruits de Mer, which reminded me that I would really like to have my oven fixed so that I may bake and grill once again. MIL, Hubby and the kids all had different dishes (quite a varied menu) but none of the pictures turned out so I'll not mention them. For those with kids, do not hesitate to ask your waiter if they have a Kids' Menu even if none could be found on the main menu. Most restaurants in France would be more than willing to come up with one upon request, usually pretty decent stuff like freshly prepared Steaks, Salmon or Chicken breasts. None of those industrial chicken nuggets rubbish.

Hubby chose a very good bottle of red wine and took away half of it at the end of the meal. Many restaurants now encourage you to do so as you may then be more inclined to order good bottles (half bottles are often limited in quality and variety) and not have to worry about drunken driving afterwards.

Les Chiens Rouges

10 rue Emerson White

60150 Melicocq

Tel : 03 44 96 08 44