Well, this was a surprise! I have been to Chez Papa quite a number of times since it open. I always liked its simple food and it’s French atmosphere.

I went over there for lunch on Saturday with the BF. The place was buzzing with the local lunchers, and a table for two was just open for us inside. A French gentleman, that I have yet figure out if he was a waiter or the manager, greeted us at the door, and when we pointed out the open table he told us that it was reserved and he couldn’t sit us there but we were welcome to sit outside. Well, I have to say, it wasn’t the best weather to sit outside but they turned the outdoor heater on.

The menu is simple, and they were offering a pre-fix menu, three courses for $21.95. I ordered the Soupe du jour-zucchini and asparagus, I know I made the same face  when I heard it the first time but it was quite good. I didn’t taste much of the asparagus but I liked it. The texture was a bit off for me, looked like they hadn’t take the time to sieve it, it was a bit rustic. I am a soup fan so that didn’t bother me that much.

Then, I ordered the Moules frites, and the BF ordered the hamburger. The mussels were just ok, I think mine are better. And I really get disturbed when restaurant throw tomatoes in everything in the middle of the winter. This is not the season for tomato, it’s ok to present the dish without them, better that than sour look-alike Chilean produce! (Nothing against Chile but I am all for local and seasonal produce) Anyway, the fries were good but tasted like frozen fries. If indeed they make their own fries then I will have to say chapeau!

The BF’s burger came well-done the first time, though requested medium-rare. I appreciated that the waiter/manager did exchange it very rapidly.

The lavender crème brulée was a bit grainy in its texture but it was ok. Just ok.

The service was not good, I have to say. By the time we left, the inside table where we wanted to sit was still free and I took a note of that. We had to wait a while to get our table cleared, ask for ketchup, etc.. The other waiter we had was as we say in French “aimable comme une porte de prison”.

I have to say though, the waiter/manager, the French guy, did his best to accommodate us and make sure we were ok. I think he might have felt that the service was cutting short so he made the necessary to compensate and I appreciated the effort.

The food was disappointing, I think because I always had better experiences there. I would like to think it’s one of those days in the kitchen as they can happen. But the young lady next to me asked for a Pan Bagnat (wet bread), speciality from Provence made with tuna, anchovies, capers, olive, lots of olive oil, it’s very much like a salade niçoise in a bread. This looked like a poor tuna sandwich you can get at any deli. She was not happy with that dish and I felt bad that a french restaurant could serve that!

Summary: What can I say, was it just a bad day for Chez Papa or a place in decline. I am feel bad because I liked this place before, but the service turned me off, even though our waiter/manager tried to do is best.

Bill for 2: $63.42 (not including tips, with 1 glass of wine and 1 beer) A bit pricey. For this price I would recommend another lunch place!