Exploring Fontainebleau: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Fontainebleau, a charming town located in the heart of France known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. As you explore this picturesque destination, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine, which is a delicious blend of traditional French dishes and regional specialties. In this guide, we will take you on a culinary journey through Fontainebleau, highlighting some of the must-try dishes, top restaurants, and even sharing a few recipes along the way.

Local Dishes

Fontainebleau is famous for its diverse range of culinary delights. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, there's something to please every palate. Here are a few of the local dishes you must try:

• Coq au Vin: This classic French dish features tender chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a rich and hearty meal.
• Tarte Tatin: Originating from the nearby town of Lamotte-Beuvron, this upside-down caramelized apple tart is a sweet indulgence. Served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, it's the perfect ending to a meal.
• Brie de Fontainebleau: Named after the town itself, this creamy and soft cheese is a local favorite. Made from cow's milk, it pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette and a glass of red wine.
• Soupe à l'Oignon: Also known as French onion soup, this comforting dish is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. It's the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day.
• Boeuf Bourguignon: Another classic French dish, this slow-cooked beef stew is made with red wine, onions, carrots, and mushrooms. The meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors of the wine and vegetables shine through.

Top Restaurants in Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau boasts a wide array of restaurants, offering everything from fine dining to local bistros. Here are some of the top establishments to check out:

• Restaurant Le Bistrot du Boucher: This charming bistro is known for its excellent steak and French classics. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Le Jardin Gourmand: Situated in a beautiful garden setting, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience. The menu features seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes, showcasing the best of French cuisine.
• Auberge de la Brie: Located just outside of Fontainebleau in the town of Thomery, this restaurant specializes in traditional regional cuisine. From escargots to duck confit, you'll find all the French classics here.
• Restaurant L'Axel: For an unforgettable fine dining experience, head to L'Axel. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative and delicious dishes, prepared with precision and flair.

Traditional Recipes

If you want to bring a taste of Fontainebleau back home with you, why not try your hand at cooking some traditional recipes? Here are two recipes that capture the essence of Fontainebleau:

Coq au Vin

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 bottle of red wine (preferably Burgundy)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in the red wine overnight.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the wine. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add the chicken to the Dutch oven and brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
5. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
6. Add the butter to the pot and melt. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
7. Slowly pour in the reserved wine, stirring to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
9. In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in butter until golden brown. Add the mushrooms to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Tarte Tatin

Ingredients:

• 6-8 large apples, peeled, cored, and halved
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place a 9-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
3. Add the cubed butter to the skillet, evenly distributing it over the sugar.
4. Arrange the apple halves, cut side down, on top of the sugar and butter mixture.
5. Cook the apples for 15-20 minutes, or until the sugar and butter have caramelized and the apples have softened slightly.
6. While the apples are cooking, roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut out a circle slightly larger than the skillet.
7. Carefully place the puff pastry on top of the caramelized apples, tucking the edges down into the skillet.
8. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. Place a serving plate over the skillet, then carefully invert the skillet to release the tart onto the plate.
11. Serve the tart warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Now that you have a taste of Fontainebleau's cuisine, it's time to explore the town and indulge in the local flavors. Bon appétit!