Au Petit Paris

A GuestLife Houston Great Restaurant

Photography by Jim Caldwell

Would you like to experience the culinary delights of an authentic French restaurant — without having to hop a plane to Paris? You need look no further than Au Petit Paris, a charming little bistro at 2048 Colquitt Street near Shepherd.

Here, Chefs Dominque Bocquier and Eric Legros have combined more than 35 years of experience as, respectively, a master pastry chef and master culinary chef to present the finest French menu — with occasional surprises as the monthly specials change. All of their mouth-watering dishes are made from scratch daily, including the bread and signature desserts that are Dominique’s domain.

The entrées are both inspired and unique: braised beef cheeks served with chive purée or sautéed skatewing with capers and lemon butter sauce. What could be more satisfying than to complete a memorable meal with a caramelized pear a la mode on a puff pastry tart? Or hot chocolate cake with a mango filling?

Expect nothing less than superb, inventive creations from this seasoned duo. Before joining forces to create this charming bistro, Eric spent five years as a private chef and worked in some of the top Michelin-rated restaurants in France. These included Ritz Palace and Royal Monceau Palace in Paris, Bastide St. Antoine in Grasse, and the Reserve de Beaulieu in the south of France. Dominique, who also worked at Harrod’s in London and as a pastry chef in Paris, has taught pastry arts at two different culinary institutes. He has previously worked at both Fauchon and La Grande Cascade in Paris.

Together, they had a vision for transporting the genuine Parisian experience to Houston, and spent three years planning the space that now houses Au Petit Paris, doing all of the interior renovation work themselves. The authenticity of the atmosphere includes eye-catching architectural details, autographed portraits of famous French entertainers, and photographs of iconic landmarks.

The restaurant, which is open only for dinner Mondays through Saturdays, has been rated among the top 10 restaurants by both The Houston Chronicle (2007) and Texas Monthly magazine (2009) — and with good reason. It has remained a favorite of anyone who samples its many delights, with regulars returning again and again since it opened its doors in 2007.

Couples bask in the glow of the romantic atmosphere, but single diners find it very comfortable to enjoy dinner, wine, and a good book at the bar or one of the smaller tables, which are easier to find if you visit early in the week. Although it seats 57, reservations for Au Petit Paris are recommended. A private dining room can accommodate a party of 12 upon request.

The restaurant maintains an extensive and impressive list of both French and American wines and a full bar. Au Petit Paris is handicap accessible, and patrons have a choice of valet or self-parking.

Menu Highlights

APPETIZERS

French Onion Soup

Famous French Goat Cheese Frisée Salad
Pine nuts, tomato petals confites with a rosemary honey dressing.

Homemade Foie Gras Terrine
Served with Belgium endive salad, black truffle infusion vinaigrette, and fresh toasted brioche.

MEAT ENTRÉES

Australian Rack Of Lamb
Brushed with Dijon mustard and covered with a fresh herb crust, served with a mini ratatouille and croustillant of polenta.

Chicken Fricasée Flambée A La Fine Champagne
Served with carnaroli fresh forest mushroom risotto.

FISH ENTRÉES

Sea Scallops Sautéed
Smoky crisp bacon, delicate curry cauliflower purée with green asparagus.

Roasted Chilean Sea Bass
Served with fresh mixed vegetables and pastis sauce.

Shown clockwise from top left: Homemade bread with pumpkin and sunflower seeds; Tian Tartelette — caramelized grapefruit and orange segments with light orange cream and a crunchy sable Breton served with a citrus fruit sauce and lemon sherbet; Crevettes Frite — fried tiger shrimp wrapped in angel hair pasta served with eggplant caviar and mesclun salad with a dash of sumac; Crepes "Au Petit Paris" – Crepes served with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce; traditional Burgundy escargot served in a puff pastry shell with a mesclun salad; Gratinée a L’Oignon — French onion soup

Au Petit Paris
2048 Colquitt Street, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 524-7071

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