La Ferrandaise — named for a once-endangered breed of cow from Auvergne — specializes in simple, hearty veal and beef dishes, although they also do some lovely lamb and chicken. Still, the bovine influence is made pretty clear by whimsical decor: a series of stunning close-up photographs of cows by Alexandre Lescure grace the exposed beam and stone walls of the restaurant.  The overall effect is both cozy and slightly quirky -- a wonderful place to meet friends out. 

I’ve had been to La Ferrandaise before, but I was eager to go back and find out whether the delicious veal I had the previous night was just a fluke. Well, I was not disappointed — the veal was as luscious and tender as I remembered, and my lamb was so succulent I didn’t want it to end. Ever.  The green pea mash was a wonderful, spring-y complement, and the potato puffs were meltingly delicate.  Also, don't skip the appealing but appropriate wine list, or the tempting array of aperitifs and digestifs (we wound up sampling some absinthe, which was served to us with all the elegant accoutrements). 

Other highlights included a surprisingly elaborate asparagus soup and a lovely gratin de poire conference aux epices.  Best of all, everything on the menu (minus drinks) may be had as part of a very reasonable 32 Euro prix fixe menu.  All in all, there's no question that La Ferrandaise will be a welcome addition to my list of favorite neighborhood restaurants. 

8, rue de Vaugirard
75006 PARIS
Tel : 01 43 26 36 36
Fax : 01 43 26 90 91
E-mail : laferrandaise@wanadoo.fr