Courte Paille - Chalon-sur-Saône

It is the same everywhere but good value for money. If you like meat then this is the place to be :-)

Great service. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When you order meat pink, it should be pink not red. I ordered rump steak, and it was a thicker piece. That did not bother the cook/waiter-when-needed (open grill attended by a person in the wait uniform, but he obviously cooks), as I got my dish in the matter of minutes. So naturally, it was not done to my liking. It was completely red inside. Chocolate cake is not bad.

Yes, I know that Courtepaille is a chain, and that you often find their restaurants out in nondescript suburban Zones d'Initiative; and for years, while visiting France, we resisted them. But this trip we did try the one in Epernay, and liked it a lot; then, this one in Chalon-sur-Saone, and one on the north side of Beaune as well, in the course of a five-week stay. And it was in the latter, while having one of the best cuisses de canard I have had *anywhere* -- seriously, folks -- that I realized we've been missing something. At the Courtpaille in Chalon-sur-Saone I had a veal skewer, and at Epernay it was a small entrecote. In each case the restaurant was busy but friendly, with good service, good wine, and a nice local atmosphere. Their menu formules allow a lot of choices for a good price. They're not going for Michelin stars, but good eats and drinks in a clean, friendly place that's clearly popular, make a good combination. With any luck, we'll be back --

Regular grill at competitive prices. A bit too hot inside. A few extra windows could have been opened.