After
visiting Charlotte, I've decided to try out other French
restaurants and cafés in Kraków. I started with La Petite France
bistro, which reminds me of our trip to France earlier this year. We
had spent over a week in Paris, visiting all the most important
sights such as Versailles and the Louvre but my fondest memory is of
strolling through the quaint Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter with our
French friend, who showed us around the city. We could see blasé
Parisians sitting in tiny bistros on the sides of narrow streets,
sipping espresso from tiny cups and nibbling at French delicacies.
And
that's exactly how I felt when after our return to Kraków we went
for a supper to La Petite France. The bistro is situated in a
relatively quiet part of the Old Town and it has a very minimalistic
décor: it's decorated only with black-and-white photos of Parisian
bistros and with tastefully showcased French cheeses and preserves.
But if the weather is nice, you can sit outside on the pavement and
feel almost as if you were in Paris (of course unless you're accosted
by a friendly Polish hobo ;)).
The
menu, which changes seasonally, offers typically French dishes
prepared mainly form original French ingredients. We really liked a
pastry with fourme d'ambert (blue cheese) and pear served with lettuce
(PLN 17) as well as a goat cheese salad with rocket, raspberries and a
raspberry vinegar dressing (PLN 21). I love the combination of
pungent cheeses with sweet fruits, especially when all the
ingredients are fresh and aromatic. We washed the supper down with
white muscadet wine (PLN 8 / glass) and red bordeaux (PLN 12 /
glass).
The
desserts were also very tasty (PLN 8 – 12). A set of coffee + 3 small pieces of
cake will allow you to try an amazing lemon tart (tarte au citron),
chocolate cake and a small ramekin of crème brûlée. It's a pity
though that the coffee itself wasn't very good. And if you like
chocolate, you can't miss fondant au chocolat served with vanilla ice
cream (PLN 12). It's the most chocolate cake ever: when you break
through the intensely cocoa crust, you will be surprised by thick,
melty chocolate inside it. I adore this dessert and the fondant au
chocolat served in La Petite France was one of the best I've ever
eaten.
The
bistro has also a small shop where you can buy various French products. I especially liked chestnut spread (crème de marrons)
produced by a popular French company Bonne Maman (which means 'good
mummy' in French). Unfortunately, as it usually is the case with brand
products, the prices can be quite prohibitive...
Portions
served in La Petite France are on a small side so I would recommend
it for a light lunch or supper rather than a lavish dinner. Even
though the interior isn't very inviting, I think that the quality of
food compensates for any other deficiencies. I'll definitely be back,
especially when I feel an overwhelming longing for France, Paris and
desserts full of chocolate. :)
Address: ul. św. Tomasza 25, Kraków (Old Town)
