La Truffade - When it's Cold in Paris

It's a Monday night in Paris, but it could just as well be a Saturday night. Le Plomb du Cantal, 3 Rue de la Gaite is jampacked at 9 pm. This restaurant named after the Auvergne region of France knows what hungry Parisians want: Steak and potatoes served up in super size portions. So, you can throw out another cliche that you thought - French cooking is not only about rich buttery sauces served in miniscule portions. Leave that for the 'frimeurs' or the 'show offs'. There is nothing more down-home and 'comfort food' than the Plomb du Cantal and the 'truffade' is a type of cheese and garlic au gratin potatoes which you will receive heaped on your plate in a veritable mountain. The Worldwide gourmet recipe includes tomatoes rather than cheese but I think this is the easy way out - if you want to get the total 'comfort factor' you need to tie into this dish - with gobs of cheese and garlic' This is a total impact dish. You have to see and experience it - to believe it. Do not go to this restaurant unless you are REALLY hungry. Le Plomb du Cantal 3 Rue de la Gaite Metro: Gaite Approximately 18 Euros (not including wine) per plate.