The good Parisian tables of the moment...
French gastronomy, American specialities, market produce cuisine or large dishes of seafood: the new Parisian tables perpetuate the tradition of simple, delicious eats while subtly negating preconceived ideas. From the Left bank to the Parisian Golden Triangle (Champs Elysées, avenue George V and avenue Montaigne, places of luxury on the Right Bank), let’s take a look at the good addresses of the moment.
Ralph: an American in Paris
Yes, a pure American gastronomic tradition does exist. Ralph Lauren took advantage of the triumphant opening of his biggest European flagship clothes store, right in the heart of St Germain, to introduce our hexagonal taste-buds to Maine Lobster, Maryland crab, hot dogs and organic Black Angus beef. Fillets and sirloin of beef can be appreciated directly imported from RRL (Ranch of Ralph Lauren) in Colorado, on the terrace, under large parasols or in the comfort of the dining area, decorated by a majestic period chimney. " I would say that the story of the menu is reminiscent of the classic film ‘An American in Paris " confides the protean creator. What an original idea to have installed this restaurant in a former stables, where the aged white oak woodwork, the Versailles style hardwood floors and the large ceiling beams have been preserved to recall the inimitable style of American hospitality. This is an address to be noted.
Les Débats: seafood
Paris reconciles with the big gastronomic genres that made its culinary reputation, those which fed its history and its appetite. Bars and tables of luxury hotels reinvent and redesign the gastronomic landscape of the capital and the team at Les Débats has made a big return to the sea brasseries of yesterday. The result is a vast space on these passenger ships which remain port bound. On the ground floor there is a lively space perfect for the most hurried clients. On the deck a dimmed light atmosphere, ideal for intimacies, decorated in contemporary notes. Dominique Bellugeon, the Chef, who made his mark amongst the most reputed cooks (Guy Martin, Senderens) is a true ‘Captain’ when it comes to seafood. He spent numerous years serving the highbrow tables of Paris in seafood. A gastronomic sea trip is assured. Let yourself be lulled by the tide. All aboard!
M64: direct from Avenue Marceau...
The M64 was launched not so long ago in the heart of the most recent of the hotels 42 from the InterContinental hotel chain. A good surprise awaits as you discover good market produce cuisine which changes regularly and is served simply. Lunch can be enjoyed for a modest sum, either at the bar which overlooks the kitchen, or in a comfortable leather Club armchair. The menu does not exceed 35€ and is intelligently composed by Romain Marzet (who worked at George V, Taillevent and Grand Véfour).
The menu oscillates between seasonal salad, scampi lasagne, parmesan cheese or even caviar pasta for the more inspired purses....
Price: 35 € lunch menu (starter-main dish- dessert), menu at 64 € in the evening
The Place
As summer arrives, a shaded terrace away from the Parisian bustle is much appreciated. The Place at the hotel Radisson Blu, at just a walk away from the Champs-Elysées, is just that place. This shaded terrace offers a worthy french gastronomy, happiness is attainable! French gastronomy can be enjoyed in the form of a mushroom fricassee in a dry, white wine, or a Corrèze veal. Everything is delicious. Everybody is in the place!
It’s summertime at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme!
Spotlight on a poetic and colourful gastronomy directly from the Terrace restaurant of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme hotel. Obviously inspired by summer’s arrival, Jean-François Rouquette invites us to savour a light and aestival cuisine, in the shade of the olive trees. Spices, aromatic herbs and other condiments inspired from his travels, make a beautiful appearance in the dishes.
On the menu: mango salad, basil, tomatoes and feta cheese, scampi and avocado, spring caviar ou even Luberon asparagus, and a bergamote and tarragon sabayon dessert. Yum!
Janvier 2011
By Lilo v. HOEPFNER