le chateaubriand, paris - a cool culinary experience

"vous connaissez notre formule?" asked the person at the other end of the line, rather brusquely, "we only have one menu and it's 'prix-fixe'", he added before quickly hanging up.  and so, the tone was set for was to be, surprisingly, a fantastic dinning experience at le chateaubriand...

in fact, this "neo-bistro" is everything one can expect from a hip, up-and-coming restaurant in paris.  it's cool, it's aloof, and its a real culinary treat. 

the service was suitably distant but mindful and clearly understanding that i was there for a culinary experience and made sure of it the whole evening.

the menu is short (5-course), "fixe", and changes every day.  each dish, carefully prepared by a team led by inaki aizpitarte (in photo), a basque native, was at every bite impactful, subtle and complex all at once.  my main, simply listed as "tranche de boeuf, aubergine", was stunning.  perfect "cuisson" and served on a bed of "burnt" eggplant.  a stunning taste.  i was told afterwards that the eggplants are baked twice until they are slightly burnt and pureed with "secret" oils to make them taste smoky, tender, and somewhat "char-grilled".  with a syrah from cornas, it was a divine combination.

the wine list is organic and there is a large black board at the back of the restaurant which list the names of all wine makers listed on their wine menu.  as i always do when the menu is fix, i asked the waiter to pair each dish with a different wine so that i can explore the full spectrum of taste and matching possibilities.  i was not disappointed!

located in the 11th arrondissement, the decor is bistro of 30-50 years ago and the atmosphere, i can only imagine, feels the same.

listed for the 1st time on the san pellegrino list of the 50 best restaurants in the world (#40), le chateaubriand is moving fast up the list.

le chateaubriand: 129 av. parmentier, 11e, paris, tel: 01-43-57-45-95

Published by jc on November 22, 2009

auberge pyrenees cevennes - paris

Its on recommendation from the concierge of my hotel that we went for dinner at l' auberge pyrenees cevennes last night. as soon as we arrived, we knew dinner would be fantastic.

located in the 11th arrondissement, it is off the tourist circuit and the clientele last night were mainly regulars who came to enjoy their "specialites lyonnaises". the menu was simple with earthy, comfort food just like my grand mother cecile used to make. the atmosphere is warm and traditonnal reminding you of a hunting lodge in the middle of "la campagne francaise".

looking around, i was amazed with the size of each portions and everything smelled and looked so tasty: i did not know what to choose from their long list. and so, i finally started with "une terrine campagniarde" which was really a dish to share (tasty, reminding me of those brunch champetre we used to have when i was a kid), and for the main "un pave de rumsteak sauce aux poivres", a humongous piece of meat served covered in a home-style black pepper sauce to absolutely die for...(my mouth is watering as i am writing this...)

for wine, we were less impressed by our selection, but the list itself was full of very interesting labels and so next time, i will be more judicious in my choice.

overall a great culinary experience in a warm (chaleureuse) and friendly atmosphere. a great dinner for the cold and humid weather this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

auberge pyrenees cevennes, 106 rue de la folie mericourt, 11e arrondissement. tel: +33 01 43 57 33 78

Published by jc on January 21, 2008

delightful dinner at l'atelier de joël robuchon in paris

on wednesday, as i arrived very late from my meeting and so i decided to have dinner next door to my hotel at l'atelier de joël robuchon. 

a delightful dinner i had, in a very lush atmosphere.  the setting is similar to a japanese sushi bar in which we sit at a counter and where you can pretty much see food preparation from their open kitchen.  the whole restaurant was dark with lighting focusing on the star of the evening which was the food itself.

for appetizer, i had the bellota jamon with a glass of chateauneuf du pape blanc.  not bad a match actually and the jamon was extra-ordinary: savoury, tender, and beautiful on pieces of amazing bread.

for the main, i had an entré of lamb w/ thym.  beautifully made with taste that still linger on my tongue...  for the wine, i had a croze-hermitage which i do not think was the perfect match. 

i speak here of an appetizer and an entré because at l'atelier, it is actually suggested that you eat their tasting menu which is a series of appetizers served tapas style.  with a very long list of appetizers on offer, you can design your own delighful menu and enjoy your heart out.

as for the service, it was outstanding, friendly, and very caring.  you can definitly feel that mr. robuchon has a very competent and dedicated team working with him.

do not expect to book as they do not accept reservations after 18h30 and so plan for a late dinner when the horde as already left.  they only have 42 seats and very regular customers.  worth a visit on your next trip to paris.

cick on each photos for a larger version:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L'Atelier Joël Robuchon, Hôtel Pont Royal 5, rue de Montalembert 75007 Paris (+33 1 42 84 70 00)

Published by jc on January 11, 2008

paris - la crèmerie

serge, on your next stay to paris, you have to visit la crèmerie: 9 rue quatre-vents (odéon, tel. 01 43 54 99 30)  tell them you come from having seen the tv show on ''di stasio'', they will love you.

they certainly took good care of me while i was there.  they focus on organic french wine and their menu is simple antipasti (french style) and cheezes. beautiful cheezes that match perfectly their wine by the glass. a very friendly owners (they love their food and their wines) and a super cosy, local, and warm atmosphere.  perfect for lunch or a light dinner (if you can call thefood below light...).

in fact a perfect paris experience that anybody dream of BEFORE going to paris: a must not go without!

a bonus is that is is very close to st-germain and all the shopping you or your wife can possibly dream of.

the place is tiny, so please reserve ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 une berkel...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

une chèvre sèche & un côte du rhône - absolutely sublime:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published by jc on October 2, 2007