When it comes to casual dining, I think back to my early years in Paris. On the rare occasion I had some spare cash and time off, I’d grab a table at a smoky brasserie far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. With a cheap glass of house red in hand, I’d take my time choosing something hearty off the blackboard and finally, just for a moment, I’d unwind in true Parisian style.

The same dishes feature today and will for many years to come. The likes of a toasted croque-monsieur, a steaming bowl of cassoulet with duck confit and a humble plateful of choucroute garnie will never go out of fashion. It’s the kind of food that people will always have an appetite for, and is steeped so deeply in French heritage it shouldn’t be meddled with.

Recipes

Croque-Madame

Cassoulet

Choucroute with Smoked Ham Hock

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