French onion soup + French beef dip @ this funky French bistro

When we went to Cluny in 2020, I discovered that their coq au vin poutine for two was really just a light snack for me — and it was the only thing I ordered, too, except for dessert. So this time, I’m heading back to check out the ne plus français of French food, starting off with some French onion soup:

Now, this dish looks really nice when it hits the table, with all that cheese on top. And the ingredients are all on point — melted gruyère, glazed onion, rich beef broth. Only thing that’s missing are the croutons… I guess that makes it gluten-free or something?

Since the bread was missing from my French onion soup, I pretty much ordered the sandwich version of the same dish. French dip ain’t actually French — it was invented in Los Angeles, of all places. But the version they do here is pretty decent, with an onion loaf that’s flaky like a croissant. Problem is, that onion loaf falls apart too easy, which isn’t great when you’re trying to dip it in au jus. And the fries are super-seasoned, too, but since they don’t come with ketchup, that works for me.

How better to wash down all that French food than with an English beer? Well, English-style, anyways — a Cobblestone Stout from just down the street at Mill Street Brewery. I have never drank a stout out of such a tall glass before, and it was served much colder than a proper pint of Guinness…but hey, it still gets the job done, son!!!!