A chef on the grill – Fabien Bourdet at the bistro “Chez Fred” in Paris

The decor incorporates all the hallmarks of the genre: red banquettes, bistro chairs, tables crammed together and, of course, a large wooden and zinc counter dating from the 1900s. The floor tiles are still the same as those from when the place opened in 1945.

Owner of Chez Fred for eight years, Laurent Hullo expertly manages this establishment with its playful character. A beautiful private dining room, seating around twenty, is perfect for gourmet gatherings.

Recently arrived in the kitchen, chef Fabien Bourdet is passionate about beautiful sauces, and he proves it in every dish. This master saucier particularly delights us with his duck confit with Landes potatoes or his sweetbread heart.

At the end of the meal, a generous platter of about fifty cheeses turns heads, without making you forget the perfectly executed, nostalgic desserts.

A true address for lovers of Parisian bistros, where owner and chef seem to be in perfect harmony with the desires of the moment.

What is the one product you can't live without? "I'm a big fan of beef cheek. It is, you know, a truly incredible dish."

Which dish in your career has been the most difficult to prepare? "Hare à la royale, for its highly technical nature and the balance of the dish, which requires great precision."

Aside from gastronomy, what is your biggest weakness? "I'm very shy, which means I'm not much of a talker. I think that's my main weakness."

You're having dinner alone: ​​what do you eat? "Without hesitation, pasta with tomato sauce, a little parmesan and some good country ham."

What secret about yourself are you revealing to us today? "When I was little, my father cooked at home. He's the one who instilled in me a taste for good seasonal produce, but also a love of cooking and the value of hard work."

Chez Fred 190 bis, boulevard Pereire – 75017 Paris Tel.: 01 45 74 20 48 Menu: approximately €50.