Frenchie To Go

It’s 1pm, and your stomach is growling. For many in Paris, that means a stop by the closest boulangerie for a classic sandwich au jambon fromage. But for those of us who want a little more oomph between the slices, two of our favorite resto/bar à vin combos have opened up lunch operations as well.

Frenchie To Go

It’s no secret that we at HiP Paris are big fans of Verjus, Braden Perkins’ and Laura Adrian’s  triplex that sits kitty-corner to the Théâtre du Palais-Royal. So it should come as no surprise that when I heard that they would be opening for lunch with a menu of creative sandwiches based on cult classics from the US, I went running.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Verjus Wine Bar

The menu features three sandwiches (as well as an off-menu vegetarian option), all of which are served with a daily choice of classic lunchbox desserts such as snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies, or caramel brownies, plus a non-alcoholic drink, for €15. There is also an option to supplement wine or beer for an extra €3, for those of us who moved to France for the option to have wine at lunch.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Verjus Wine Bar

Mr. Chang’s Buns, their take on David Chang’s famed pork buns at Momofuku in New York, feature meltingly tender braised pork belly with hoisin sauce, pickles, and scallions on a steamed bun. It’s the perfect blend: savory, sweet, sour, spicy, fatty, fresh, soft, and crunchy, all in one bite.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Verjus Wine Bar

The Midnight Cuban is for lunchers who feel a strong pull toward the Parisian tradition of the baguette-based sandwich, but crave something far from the over-beaten path of jambon fromage. It’s quite rich due to the pork shoulder that fills it, marinated and braised until the pork tender enough to fall apart. The flavor profile is balanced out with cilantro, pickled chiles, and a creamy garlic mayonnaise.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Verjus Wine Bar

The crowd favorite so far, however, seems to be the Bakesale Betty sandwich, and with good reason. The buttermilk fried chicken served in the wine bar in the evenings has been legendary to the expat set since they started serving it, and now we can get a larger portion of that gorgeously crisp, perfectly spiced, incredibly moist chicken on a pillowy soft bun with refreshing slaw and tangy mustard vinaigrette.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Verjus Wine Bar

If you happen to be vegetarian, there is a sandwich for you – but you have to ask for it. Though it may change depending on availability and the whim of the chef, the off-menu sandwich on my last few visits has been a colorful cacophony of diced and thinly-shaved vegetables and greens atop globs of rich burrata, served open-faced on a warm, toasted baguette.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Verjus Wine Bar

The original intent for Verjus, before they decided on the restaurant and wine bar format that they currently have, was for it to be a simple sandwich place. Braden and Laura are now making good on that intent with spectacular results.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Frenchie To Go

One arrondisement over, Greg Marchand of the ever-popular Frenchie has been doing the elevated street food thing at the bar à vins on-and-off for a while now. That drippy pulled pork sandwich has been a menu stalwart at a locale where nearly everything else rotates weekly, if not daily. Well, now that Frenchie To Go has opened on Rue du Nil, (which might as well be renamed Rue Marchand – go ahead, Google “Rue du Nil” and see what the first result is), we can all fulfill our dreams of having Frenchie food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Frenchie To Go

Open from 8:30am until 6pm, Frenchie To Go serves classic American and British street food. Nearly everything is made in-house, from the beautifully smoky bacon in their breakfast sandwich, to the hot dogs, to the drinks in the glass case out front.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Frenchie To Go

Long-time fans will recognize the exceptional pain des amis with a thick, aggressively caramelized crust that supports the shaved pastrami in their Reuben, perfectly balanced with a colorful, tangy slaw, sharp cheddar, and pickled mustard seeds. Buttered and grilled, and served with fries (a choice of either shoestring fries or thicker, Belgian-style frites), it’s a lunch that may require a loosening of the belt by a notch or two. Don’t forget a side of barbecue sauce, which is, as The Paris Kitchen would say, “slap yo’ mamma good.”

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Frenchie To Go

For those looking for lighter fare, Frenchie To Go has been serving a vegetarian option of creamy burrata with seasonal vegetables – in spring, it was fava beans, peas, and asparagus. The lobster roll features large chunks of fresh, sweet lobster in a light dressing – a far cry from the gloppy mayonnaise found elsewhere.

Frenchie To Go

Rounding out the menu is a relatively large selection of craft beers from around the world, with appearances by Brasserie Craig Allen and Brooklyn Brewery. There are pastries all day for those looking for a quick snack, but it’s all cookies and brownies and muffins here – you’ll need to get your viennoiserie fix elsewhere. There is limited seating by design, so get to this popular spot either early or late, or, as the name suggests, take it all to go.

HiP Paris Blog, Diane Yoon, Verjus Sandwiches & Frenchie To Go

Frenchie To Go

Related links:

  • Sugared & Spiced has also tried the very popular Frenchie To Go. For more photos and info hop on over there!
  • This American food crush that’s currently going on in Paris is something French for Foodies has looked into a bit closer…
  • Ten Days in Paris has listed the top 5 food trucks in Paris right now. Have you tried them all?

Written by Diane Yoon for the HiP Paris Blog. All photos by Diane Yoon. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.

WRITTEN BY

Diane Yoon

Diane Yoon left the city of angels for the city of lights due to circumstance and fell head over heels for Paris like many before her. She spends her days eating, cooking, writing, taking photos, and falling in love for five minutes at a time on the metro. She always has homemade cookie dough in the freezer but is terrible at doing the dishes and doesn’t know how to ride a bike. Follow her adventures at her blog, Diane, A Broad.

9 Comments

  1. Do you happen to know if Frenchie accepts reservations for 5? Their online site only allows reservations for up to 4 or would it be better to go to Frenchie Wine Bar. Other options I am looking into are Pierre Sang Boyer, Au Passage, or Le Galopin. Any preferences/recommendations?
    Thanks!

    1. I think Frenchie is VERY hard to get reservations for any number of people… but wine bar should be easier! I highly recommend Le Galopin!!!! And I hear Pierre Sang Boyer is delicioius. Bon appetit – Erica

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