Chez Janou

The Mousse au Chocolat is reason enough to make a pit stop at this buzzy neighborhood spot in the Marais.  Do not pass go without the mousse.  Because what arrives at the table is an enormous bowl of velvety deep, dark chocolate mousse and a wooden spoon, so you can serve yourself… as much as you please!  That’s right. Eat your heart out until your stuffed silly or overdose on sugar.  It’s deliciously dangerous and perfect with a glass of French red, of course!

Mussels Gratinees

Unfortunately, the chocolate mousse is the best thing Chez Janou’s got going aside from outdoor tables and the ability to lure in the locals night after night.  Which is what makes it a great pit stop post-dinner.  If you decide to come for lunch or dinner, there’s a fine Salade Janou with mozzarella, jamon, and melon, and Mussels Gratinees, doused with garlic & butter.  Their signature of Tuna Carpaccio is drizzled with a tad too much honey and the fish soup so-so. But it’s fun to sit outside and listen to people’s conversations why you savor every creamy bite of that mousse.