Chez l'Ami Jean

Description:

• This restaurant was opened by a Basque nationalist in 1931, and fans claim its Basque cuisine and setting are the most authentic on the Left Bank. Decorative details include wood panels; memorabilia from pelote (a Basque game similar to jai alai), rugby, and soccer. Dishes include Bayonne ham; herb-laden Béarn-influenced vegetable soups; confit of duck with small sautéed potatoes; and fine slices of veal with fresh herbs, onions, red peppers, and a light tomato sauce. In springtime, look for a specialty rarely found elsewhere: saumon de l'Adour (Adour salmon) with béarnaise sauce.

• © Frommer's 2012