Our latest discovery is a lovely Corsican restaurant on the very hip rue d’Hauteville, Chez Minnà, (which is Corsican for grandmother). A modern vintage style makes it feel like entering someone’s home rather than a restaurant, and the friendly smiles from the staff made us feel immediately welcome.
We enjoyed a Muscat aperitif, while exploring the menu. It was difficult to choose but finally opted to start with the spinach-tome cheese croquettes, with a lemony mayonnaise and a smoked Burratina, accompanied by cherry tomatoes drizzled with an outstanding pesto. My friend chose traditional cannelloni stuffed with Corsican cheese and chard served with a side salad. I could not resist trying their slow-cooked wild boar stew with a creamy polenta and rosemary. Corsica is known for its delicious wild boar. The animals wander around feeding on the various herbs, fruits and chestnuts found on the island – this gives the meat a wonderfully complex flavour. There are some vegetarian options on the menu if you prefer.
The wine list features a Corsican selection from various parts of the island. Some are organic or natural wines and most are carefully selected to go with their menu. We had no room left for anything else, but it was just not possible to leave without trying their Fiadone, a Corsican cheesecake, with a lemony homemade whipped cream. I am generally not a dessert person, but this is not a very sweet treat so it was the perfect end to a fantastic lunch.
Chez Minnà has been open for three years and it is definitely a restaurant to be discovered – not only for the comfortable atmosphere, fresh, high-quality food, but also for its warm, welcoming staff and management. They offer a very affordable lunch special from Monday through Friday at €16 for two courses or €21 for three courses.
We are now hooked and will have to try their other restaurant that has been open for over twenty years. Stay tuned…
Website: www.chez-minna.com
By Gail Boisclair – Gail is a transplanted Canadian who fell in love with Montmartre and has been living there since 2001. She is the founder of Perfectly Paris (www.perfectlyparis.com), a furnished apartment rental company specialising in Montmartre and the surrounding area.
