Paris restaurants remain closed amidst forced confinement, so chefs are bringing their talents to Instagram.
Here's what's new and exciting in the Paris food world this month.
Here's what's new and exciting in the Paris food world this month.
La Poule au Pot is a looker. It's wonderful to walk in and witness the vintage wallpaper, the globe lighting, and the silver-plated serving chariot wheeling between Pepto-Bismol colored tables. It is at once a little elegant and also a touch cheesy. One can almost picture the 80s pop stars who used to slouch into these red banquettes, the mirrored pillars reflecting their manliner and sprayed hair. Today's Poule au Pot, having been recently rebooted by star chef Jean-François Piège, reflects something different - a desire for traditional cuisine bourgeouise and also the willingness (by some) to pay for it.
Address: 7 rue d’Aguesseau, 75008
Hours: Open Monday-Friday for lunch & dinner. Closed Saturday & Sunday.
Telephone: +33 1 53 05 00 00
Book Online / Website / Instagram
COVID-19 UPDATE:
Le Grand Restaurant is currently closed.
Le Grand Restaurant in Photos
In Other Words
Le Figaro (2015) “Le plat à ne pas laisser filer: homard bleu de Bretagne en feuille de figuier, mûres épicées, foie gras au poivre sauvage, pur instant de mijoté réinventé.”
Simon Says (2015) “En fait, si l’on a bien compris, Jean François Piège semble vouloir siffler la fin d’une mi temps où les chefs faisaient un peu n’importe quoi (voir ailleurs s’ils y étaient). Il est en cuisine avec ses coéquipiers (chacun à sa place), fait une cuisine franche, lisible et distincte. C’est du premier degré (ouf!). Avec un élément nouveau: la sincérité. “
Practical information
Address: 79 rue St. Dominique, 75007
Nearest transport: La Tour Maubourg (8)
Hours: Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner; Open Sunday for brunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 47 05 79 00
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 40-59€
Style of cuisine: Modern French, Brasserie
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Reviews of interest
John Talbott (2016) “Wahid Sylvestre stays steady…”
Figaroscope (2015) “Sylvestre Wahid succède à J.-F. Piège, assure à l’étage «gastronomique» mais cherche encore ses marques au nerf de la brasserie et du rez-de-chaussée entre plats un peu trop distants et tarifs un poil insistants.”
Note: these reviews are from Jean-François Piège’s tenure as chef at Thoumieux
Simon Says (2010) “… c’est bien mieux.”
Le Figaro (2009) “Classique sur le fond, nettement plus chahuteuse sur la forme, la cuisine traduit en manières d’aujourd’hui ce petit éternel des brasseries. Certains trouveront à minauder sur quelques préparations un peu dans la joliesse, voire gentiment narcissiques, mais comment ne pas excuser quelques grammes de parisianisme dans une maison renouant enfin avec Paris?”
A mint green & marble pastry palace from Jean-François Piège, whose rue Saint-Dominique mini empire includes Brasserie Thoumieux, Restaurant Jean-François Piège, and Hôtel Thoumieux. The salted butter and pear tart was particularly pleasing, but skip the disappointing and aggressively chewy macarons.
Photo Bruno Verjus (Food Intelligence)
Michelin Guide France 2011
The Michelin Guide has just announced its annual star shower, with the following changes for Paris restos:
- New 3* designations: none. This is the first year since 1992 without any new three-star restaurants. Le Cinq was rumored to be a contender, but will remain a 2* for at least one more year.
- New 2* designations: Passage 53, L’Atelier Etoile de Joël Robuchon, and Jean-François Piège.
- New 1* designations: Frédéric Simonin, Les Ambassadeurs, Le Baudelaire, Sensing, Antoine, and Le Fourchette de Printemps.
- Deletions: La Table de Joël Robuchon (now closed) and Montparnasse 25.