We follow travel blogger Nick Bredimus on Instagram. He wrote “Lipp for Joy” explains the correct pronunciation of the name of the legendary brasserie on Paris’ Left Bank. Brasserie Lipp on Boulevard Saint-Germain was a favorite of artists and writers. “My father filled my head with dreams of Paris centered around cafes and brasseries like Lipp” wrote Bredimus. “Robert Bredimus traveled to Paris at age 21 and enjoyed the food and drinks at Brasserie Lipp. I did the same at that age, then later extended that tradition to my own children.”
Brasserie Lipp Paris France
The “Lost Generation” which included writers like Ernest Hemingway and artists like Pablo Picasso frequented spots like Lipp. The grand city of Paris was once a bargain compared to current times. Starving artists and young adventurers enjoyed heaping plates of delicious bistro food washed down with beer or wine. Lipp was established in the 1800’s by a man from the Alsace region of France and Alsatian dishes remain on the menu. One such dish is a traditional offering of sausages, pork, and potatoes served over a bed of sauerkraut. It is called Choucroute Garnie à l’Alsacienne on their menu. This link is to a recipe prepared by French Chef, Jacques Pepin. Nick Bredimus tells how, as a young man, he learned to prepare this meal by watching his father make it in their family kitchen. The senior Bredimus followed the cookbook of Julia Child for this particular recipe. Pepin and Child both rinse their kraut and transform it into a delightful, braised cabbage. “Dad said the rinsed kraut is flavored like a Martini” says Nick. He meant the addition of Juniper Berries (the flavoring for Gin) and the white wine (vermouth).
Nick Bredimus at the iconic Brasserie Lipp
Nick Bredimus and his wife always order “choucroute” when dining at Lipp, just like Robert Bredimus and the rest of his lost generation. At least once per year they prepare this special meal at home, taking care to “Rinse” the kraut and then flavor like a Martini.
Nick Bredimus enjoys red wine at Brasserie Lipp
Travelers are well advised to include Brasserie Lipp in their Paris itinerary. Perhaps it will become legendary in their own families and inspire future generations. Beer or wine is a nice accompaniment. Sadly, there is no Chabernet to be had.