Description: It was our first night in Paris , we put a restaurant address into the GPS and went in search of food. Nearing the tick mark on the screen we realized that we could not remember the name and found ourselves at Le Select. We joined the locals enjoying dinner and wine while embarking on a meal that was the perfect introduction to dining in Paris.
There were seats on the sidewalk in typical cafe style, however we were able to be seated directly inside, right off the sidewalk. The open "porch" area provided us the outside eating experience that we would become accustomed to during our stay, without being right in the path of the Friday night foot traffic. The location at Rue Vavin and Boulevard du Montarnasse provided plenty to watch for the two hours we spent there.
Our waiter did not know much, if any English. He was attentive and tried his best to make sure that we understood the menu, which was in French. We ordered a bottle of inexpensive, but wonderful wine, a charcuterie plate and steak tartar, at which point he carefully made sure that we understood that would not be cooked meat. While this was not a surprise to us the friendly way he made sure that we understood was very welcoming and reassuring.
Unlike restaurants we would visit later in the trip, the waiter brought us a carafe of water without our having to ask. We found out later how rare this was when we often had to ask many times or were give the only the "pay-for" water.
The portions were "American" appetizer sizes, which appeared far to small for a meal, but with the added bonus of fresh bread it was the perfect size for two. All the meats were perfect and the addition of the beyond wonderful French mustard made it the best charcuterie plate I had eaten anywhere.
If in Paris again I would not hesitate to eat here again.
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