Confit de Canard and Uncle Frank
Île Saint-Louis is an oasis in the middle, literally, of the hustle and bustle of Paris. It is one of two natural islands dividing
the Seine and is an example of some of the first attempts at urban planning as it was mapped out from end to end which is apparent when you see it. Compared to the maze of twists and turns that exists both in the Latin Quarter and the St Germain area, this is sanity. This street is rue de Saint-Louis-en-Île, covering the island from end to end and is filled with shops, restaurants, small hotels and the famous Berthillon ice cream shop that really should not be missed no matter what time of year it is. 
I made my way over here around lunch time today and found myself at Café Med, a tiny spot that was packed the first time I was there and things haven’t changed much. I grabbed the last table available and settled in for a “homey” meal. The woman running it is fabulous–probably in her mid fifties, wears funky jewelry, satiny tank tops and looks fantastic. You are well taken care of in her place. There’s nothing fancy here but there is really good food that is very reasonably priced. Today I had one of my favorite meals that I order when I am here, confit de canard. It is the leg of the duck that has been preserved in a centuries old process of salt curing the meat. Served with this are crisp fried potatoes called pommes sarladaise. I am a pretty healthy eater, but you put this in front of me and I am a happy girl. 
The year that I lived in Paris, my brother and his wife came for a visit. I suggested that he order this one night and after that his personal battle cry was, “Confit de canard: tous les jours, tous le temps.” He barely allowed us to go to places that didn’t have it on the menu. His birthday was today so in honor of him being older than he has ever been I celebrated with his favorite meal. Happy Birthday Uncle Frank!
Photos: Wikipedia, personal collection
5 Comments
We bumped into Cafe Med and the peppy woman owner on our last day in Paris (yesterday). This was a lovely experience having lunch feeling welcome, teased – when my husband asked if a certain wine was good, she said “no.” The food is good and affordable and the experience is fun. Go there by all means.
ps – the wine was in fact excellent!
I was speaking to “Uncle Frank” as your email came into my inbox. They take such pride in serving meals over there that most times–although not always–the wine is excellent. I am glad you had a good time!
paris is wonderful place.after i am reading this blog i feel i finished my tour in paris.thank u for sharing.it is very interesting blog.
Paris is a wonderful place. Couldn’t agree more. I am so glad that you can keep reliving all its fabulousness here at The Paris Traveler.