Trip: Europe May 2022
We were not sure we would make Marseille a stop on our visit to South of France, due to some concerns about safety in Marseille. But we were glad we stopped in Marseille for a few hours, long enough to enjoy the beautiful view of the Old Port and to try bouillabaisse for the first time.
Marseille is known for its fresh seafood and the bouillabaisse that is the French version of fish stew. Our search took us to Chez Michel on the Catalans beach of Marseille.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by Monsieur Michel himself, carrying a basket of fresh fish. Looking back, we realized he was providing us with a photo opportunity, but we totally missed that cue. Fortunately, he was very willing to come to our table for personalized photos with him and his fish.
The bouillabaisse experience was out of this world. The fish was so fresh, the stew soup was amazing, and the service excellent. We were shown how to eat the bouillabaisse: first take a little bit of the sauce (white is garlicky, red is spicy) on your spoon, add some fish and potato to the spoon, then dip the spoon into the bouillabaisse soup, then into your salivating mouth. Voilà!
A "must try" if you are in Marseille. Count on spending around 2 hours for the bouillabaisse experience. 38 minutes to cook the four fish for two people, and another hour to savor the meal.
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| Monsieur Michel and his fresh fish counter at the entrance of the restaurant |
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| The fish, filet at the table, served with potatoes |
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| The stew, served separately from the fish |
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| This beach is across the street from Chez Michel |
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