I am feeling much like this egg.
Pierced and broken. Insides pouring out.
But I suppose that is to be expected when life falls apart around you. Paris has been wonderful to me since I arrived, except where Croque Madams have been concerned. So the fact that they have all been really, really bad comes as no surprise. It’s actually quite ironic. And yet, I keep ordering them. As though by some miracle I will find one that makes me happy, if only for a little while.
Afterall, what else can I do?
Stay away from the tourist places on the main streets. Go a block off the beaten path (not near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame) and look for a bistro with a small menu not translated into English. That is the only way to get authentic, simple dishes like the Croque Madame.
One more thing…if it is bad….send it back!
Ive been going to a place on Ile St Louis since I read about it in Bon Appetit in 1989 that I bet would have a good croque madame. Pom Canelle – on Rue de deux Ponts, I think. It’s pretty untouristy for the Ile (although Ive been recommending it on Tripadvisor for years, so it comes up a lot there).
Also, the Rose of France on Place Dauphine may make them. This is a great place if you dont know about it.
Stephanie- Hi! Yes, I always avoid the touristy areas. I’m living in a pretty non touristy area now to the east where no one really speaks much English. It’s really quite nice to be immersed in this more authentic scene but still I have yet to find that perfect Croque Madam. Unless it’s really inedible, I almost never send food back. I feel like the servers and kitchen have enough to deal with already.
Eva- Thanks so much for the suggestions. I will have to check into them!
I’m coming to Paris in May…if you find one before then…let me know! I hope you are doing well. I’m enjoying an unseasonably warm day here in Austin and about to start baking a chocolate cake. Thank you for sharing another post!