Pommes frites are those frizzled, skinny potato French fries that I undoubtedly order whenever I spot them on a menu. But they have to be the "real" thing.
I think the first time I had real pommes frites was when I lived in Orléans, France (here we go again!) and during my first visit to Paris. I happened to be strolling down Le Jardin de Tuileries along the flowery walkway and spotted a small snack kiosk. They were selling “le hot dog” and les pommes frites. Those slender fries were wrapped in a Le Monde newspaper cone and were unbeatable.
Some restaurants serve thicker fries defending their position that they are the “real” pommes frites. But as a true lover of these French-fried wonders, pommes frites are the long, skinny, delicate variety. There is no mistaking them! And they give a powerful punch in every mouthful.
Any normal person (well, not a Parisian!) would dip these fried sticks in ketchup, but not ME! I love to swirl my French-fried friend in a cup of Dijon. Yep, good ol' mustard! Others like to dip their deep-fried delights in a bowl of aioli. If you’re one of them, you’re in luck…
Here’s a recipe for easy aioli that can be made 1 day ahead:
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (I use La Baleine)
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise (Best Foods)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil cold press (I use Tenuta Del Numerouno)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Preparation
Mash garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt with a mortar and pestle until paste forms. Whisk in mayonnaise, slowly drizzling in the olive oil, and lemon juice. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. Cover, chill and enjoy!
Next time you’re in France, be sure to dine on some French Fries! Or in Belgium, where they originated from. :) I can list off a dozen or more of my favorite places for some authentic pommes frites. Just ask! A new restaurant in SF has just opened which serves pommes frites out of wooden shoes! I'll let you know if they are the "real" thing! In shoes, though???
News flash: Aquitaine Restaurant does not serve the "real" pommes frites :( But the wooden clogs are cute containers!
