Steak Frites in Montpellier, France.
It was an unexpected stop on a 3-month cross-Europe rail adventure. As it turned out though, the 4-day visit to Montpellier proved to be one of our most favorite experiences. And, by far, one of our best meals.
Murphy’s Law
Our original plan was to spend five nights in Lyon, France. Murphy’s Law prevailed in that what could go wrong, went wrong. Sometimes you just have to pay attention to the signs from the universe. After just one night in Lyon we hopped on the morning train and continued on to Montpellier, France. It proved to be such a gift.
Steak & Fries
While wandering the charming alleyways in Montpellier we were scouting potential lunch spots. We came across L’Entrecote. Two things made us stop. One, there was an outside patio and it was a gorgeous day, and two, the steak and fries looked amazingly delicious.
Once seated, with menus open, we had no idea how to order and our server did not speak English. Our French is limited to the basics. Seated across the narrow aisle from us a British man intervened on our behalf. He ordered, for us, steak frites. So simple. We would learn it was the only available entree on the menu.
L’Entrecote does one thing and they do it incredibly well. The fries were hot, fresh and salty, while the steak was tender and seasoned perfectly. The secret’s in the sauce so they say.
The Brit & The Swiss
Lunch lasted nearly three hours. It was an amazing experience. If you’ve ever dined in France, and most European countries, you know tables are usually quite small and placed close to each other. We had quite the lively conversation with our British friend, and as it turned out a Swiss couple was seated right next to us. They too joined in the conversation, although their English was more hesitant.
Montpellier, France
Since our unplanned stay in Montpellier, which we loved every minute of, and for years to come if you ask either one of us to describe one of our all-time favorite meals, you better believe steak frites at L’Entrecote in Montpellier will be at the top of the list.
- Tuesday Takes. Each post in the series will focus on one or two photos, or possibly a video, from our travels, as well as the background story behind the photo(s). Tuesday Takes will be shared in random order with no rhyme or reason as to why. It will be a surprise for all of us.
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I don’t even eat meat and it looks great to me! I just love it when you are really hungry in a strange land and you find the perfect spot. We often gone out of our way to check out highly rated places only to be disappointed to the point of Hulk like rage (ok, maybe I take my feedings a little too seriously but that how I roll). That salad looks yummy!
I love your idea of Tuesday Takes posts <3. You get to revisit places and photos and recall memories attached to them. I think that's a pretty cool way to look back on past travels.
Keep them coming Patti!
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Thank you, Spanky. I’m enjoying the process and memories of Tuesday Takes. Since we’re not traveling far and wide these days, it also helps us share past travels with our readers.
That looks great.
Funny thing being in lockdown here in Spain. We haven’t been to a restaurant since early March. I haven’t used cash in 2 1/2 months. The only money we’ve spent is at the grocery store where we pay by credit card.
The good thing is that our time in lockdown has been our cheapest months in years. But would love some steak and fries right about now…
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When I was looking for the link to the restaurant, I discovered they have a location in New York City. Guess where we’ll be going the next time we visit the city?!
We have not eaten out for over three months. I don’t really miss it though.
That meal looks way better than ANYthing I’ve been cooking. Sure wish I could get takeout.
Yes, the lock down home cooking can grow tiring. We are actually able to order take out, but haven’t yet done so. Still not quite trusting enough. But, if I could get this meal I’d go for it. 😉
Patti – I should clarify: I’m in Va. Beach… takeout is not a problem. I meant takeout from L’Entrecote in Montpellier. LOL
Oh! Well, maybe one day you’ll find yourself in Montpellier seated under one of those umbrellas on a gorgeous spring day and you’ll order steak and frites, and enjoy a lively lunch with your friends/family. And, if you can’t get to France, they have a location in New York City! 🙂
The meal looks wonderful and the memory, even more so!
After our debacle in Lyon, time spent (and food eaten) in Montpellier was indeed a wonderful experience. Don’t miss any opportunity to do so if you can get there.
I love a juicy steak, this one looks delicious. Steak and chips is such a perfect combination. I have been cutting down on meat, but this post has made me think a good steak will be back on our menu soon.
It is indeed the perfect combination, Gilda, especially when prepared to perfection.
Yup steak frites is a classic. I rarely eat meat but if I sat down at that restaurant and saw that dish I would no doubt order it and enjoy it! Love Montpellier it’s a great size city. Not too big not too small, lots of character.
Peta
We eat very little red meat. But, while I was putting this post together, I picked up the link for the restaurant and discovered they have a location in NYC. Guess where we’ll be going the next time we visit NYC?!
We loved Montpellier and would return in a heart beat. It’s as you say, just the right size, and still has so much culture and charm (and food) to offer.
Looks great. Nice to see the owners want to make sure you see the name of the restaurant!
Ha! Ha! Too funny. 🙂