Midi Vins. 6Th Arrondissement.

A visit to Midi Vins is, if anything, relaxing : the essence of the perfect low-key night out.

Situated on the charming Rue du Cherche-Midi- walking distance from Montparnasse, Saint Sulpice, and the Luxembourg Gardens- here you find yourself dining among the locals. The restaurant is run by a friendly couple and frequented by a loyal clientele, but the hostess will treat new faces just as well as even her most committed customers.

The blanquette de veau (a veal dish in peppery cream sauce) and the meat terrine (similar to paté, a base of meat, gelatin, and seasoning) were spectacular, but the real compliment is that every dish produced by this single-chef kitchen is a joy to eat : perfectly cooked and beautifully presented, but without the stereotypical pretension of French "haute-cuisine".

And let's not forget the extremely affordable 2 or 3 course prix-fixe menu.

From start to finish, an exceptionally welcoming and delicious evening.