Cuisine
If you’re a true lover of French cuisine—or a steak enthusiast—you may have heard whispers of a magical golden sauce known as Café de Paris. Rich, aromatic, and layered with complex flavors, this legendary butter-based sauce has become a star on plates around the world, especially when served with a perfectly grilled steak.
The Origin of Café de Paris Sauce
Café de Paris sauce was first created in the 1930s at the famous Café de Paris restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland. Chef Freddy Dumont sought to create a special sauce that would complement steak in a unique and unforgettable way. His creation, paired with “Entrecôte Café de Paris” (a ribeye steak served with the sauce), quickly became the restaurant’s signature—and one of the most iconic dishes in French-inspired cuisine.
A Not-So-Secret Recipe Anymore
While the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, many chefs and food enthusiasts have crafted their own interpretations over the decades. The classic base is butter, but the true charm of the sauce lies in the depth and layering of flavors.
Common ingredients include:
- High-quality unsalted butter
- A mix of herbs: parsley, thyme, tarragon
- Garlic and shallots
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Anchovies or capers for umami
- Curry powder or custom spice blends
- Cream or white wine (depending on the version)
These ingredients are blended together into a compound butter or emulsified sauce, which is then melted over a sizzling hot steak. As the butter melts, it soaks into the meat, enriching every bite with creamy, herby goodness.
What Makes It So Special?
Unlike many steak sauces that overpower the dish, Café de Paris is perfectly balanced. It enhances the natural flavor of the meat rather than masking it. The result is a complex yet harmonious experience—creamy, tangy, herby, slightly spicy, and undeniably elegant.
And it’s not just for beef! This sauce pairs beautifully with lamb, chicken, and even grilled fish like salmon or seabass. Its versatility makes it a chef’s favorite in both fine-dining and bistro settings.
A Classic, Revived
In an era where French cuisine is making a strong comeback, Café de Paris sauce is once again in the spotlight at leading restaurants around the world — including our very own Aimee Petit Bistro. We proudly present the “Contre-Filet de Boeuf Black Onyx,” served with a traditional Café de Paris sauce that perfectly complements the French-style steak — making it a signature dish that no guest should miss.
