Needless to point out that there are many…
The upcoming list will consists of the very few places that I have enjoyed within the company of my loved ones.
For a very romantic dinner and a tasteful experience, one of the nicest places to go is Senderens in the 8th arrondissement on Pl. de la Madeleine 9. Legend has it that the chef Senderens felt inhibited by his Michelin Stars (he had 3 at Lucas Carton) and wanted to experience freedom of movement in his kitchen and restaurant; so he reinvented Lucas Carton as Restaurant Senderens–Lucas Carton. The popularity of the place is so overwhelming that if you know your dates in Paris, make sure you reserve a table here 2 months ahead in time and call at the turn of each month for reconfirmation. I have done the tasting menu, so I will recommend that you do the same. If there is any plate that you are allergic to or don’t like within the tasting menu, ask them for a readjustment and they will gladly do the minor adjustments. The tasting menu of wine and food pairs is like no other. Since my time in Senderens, I have been to several other pairing events and none has given me the same delight and awe. It was such that one could really appreciate the pairs. One glass of white wine that came together with the risotto had a somewhat bitter taste until I had the risotto with it. I have heard recently that the bar is also serving meals and that sometimes it feels more comfy and trendier to have your meals in the bar area. Perhaps, worth a try… Costs about 150 euros per person. Phone: 01-42-65-22-90
The second place not to be missed is Chez Andre also in the 8th arrondissement on Rue Marbeuf, 12. It is actually across from Le Relais de l’Entrecote (rue Marbeuf, 15) –another wonderful place that everybody already knows about. Chez Andre is neither a romantic nor a family place. It is both and more at the same time. The beauty in it is that it is like an elegant diner. They take you in –with reservations- they seat you fast, serve you fast and at other times they serve others fast buzzing around like bees. In the past tourists were looked as if they landed in from the Mars or something. In other words, the tourists were not expected to know this place. It was that sacred and that much reserved and liked by the residents and the French. Nowadays, do expect to see tourists, but as some would say be ware of getting seated in the front room of the restaurant with all the other English speaking tourists. The French are often seated in the cozier back room. Everything on the menu from moules to burgers is delicious. I would urge anyone going soon, to try the raw oysters. Make sure you dip your bread into its sauce as well. Also, extremely nice is their steak au poivre. In my opinion, a meal is not complete without desert, so order one as well. Costs about 60 euros per person. Phone: 01-47-20-59-57
Le Relais de l’Entrecote, like I already said is already legendary. They have two branches: one on rue Marbeuf and the other one in St. Germaine (thought according to their Web site, there may even be three). Go with friends or loved ones and just dip your elbows in for unlimited steak and french fries. Finish with the mille-feuille, of course if they have any left –they often run out of it. Costs about 35 euros per person, no reservations, walk in, wait in line and get served.
Finally, last but not the least, I will mention Dominique Bouchet. This hidden germ too is located in the 8th arrondissement on Rue Treilhard, 11. However it is a “hidden germ” –as acknowledged by Zagat.com also- as it is really hidden in what feels like a back street in the upper 8th arrondissement. Like many restaurants in Paris, DB also has a discovery menu –a tasting menu with wine and food pairings. I did not do that this time round, instead we shared a starter and then had two main courses and finally a desert to share. I believe we did fine to do that, because in either case they bring you aperitivis to start you off –a humble offer that I love when restaurants do it (I also love it when they bring a piece of cookie with your coffee, I find it excruciatingly kind). The nice thing about DB is that the service is not snob, it’s not buzzing and it’s totally unpretentious. It does really make one feel at home in a delicate and elegant atmosphere. Tender leg of lamb roasted for 7 hours is a must-try as can be understood from the number of hours dedicated to its preparation. Costs about 100 euros per person. Phone: 01-45-61-09-46
You will find on Donuz, everything that is unique to where we have been and where you would want to be. Be it food, be it lodging, be it a special feet massage, a bottle of wine, a person… Be it for 7 days, a day, a week, 36 hours or a single moment. On Donuz, is everything, you will need to make your holidays special. We hope you share with us your experiences.
Sat, Aug 22, 2009
Paris