Philippe Houdet is one of the French chefs in Denmark who doesn’t shout and throw pans in the media. He is a respected professional and has managed the stoves at Pierre André for some years now.

Up until the New Year, Pierre André was one of the city’s gourmet restaurants that had displayed a single Michelin star for several years, but lost it a couple of years ago. Its formula was classical and precise French handicraft.

But in January 2009, the restaurant changed its style to a more informal, primarily French-inspired cuisine, a small à la carte menu with simple and elegant courses at reasonable prices and a more relaxed décor.

In brief, Pierre André is a first class bistro, which among other dishes serves one of south western France’s evergreens cassoulet.

Restaurant Pierre André, Ny Østergade 21, Copenhagen K. Tel 33 16 17 19. www.pierreandre.dk