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Les Elysées du Vernet, Paris, France

Overall impression Following a morning running errands on the Champs Elysees, we discovered it was lunch time and we were hungry. We had not made reservations anywhere and didn’t feel like experimenting with a new eatery. Underneath his coat, my husband was, not unusually while on holiday, dressed in jeans and we knew gourmet restaurants frown on casual wear. Surely no one would welcome us. We were on foot near the top of the avenue when I remembered Les Elysees du Vernet was only a couple of blocks away.  After perusing the restaurant menu in the Hotel Vernet’s outer window we timidly peeked inside. It was early and we meekly asked one of the uniformed restaurant staff preparing for lunch if there was any availability. In anticipation of rejection on seeing my husband’s attire, I explained we would change and come back if he would hold a table for us.   

Without hesitation he welcomed us to stay, promising to seat us in a corner so we wouldn’t feel awkward. Thrilled at the pleasant turn of events, we took him up on his offer before he could change his mind. We expected to be seated in the back terrace away from prying eyes.  Any discomfiture we might have felt evaporated as soon as we reached the table, which was to our surprise, in the main dining area underneath the famed Gustave Eiffel vaulted ceiling. Moments later we were sipping an aperitif and pondering between the set lunch menu and a la carte selections. 

The culinary passion we had observed at Les Elysées our last visit was evident.  One of the reasons we have visited this small restaurant on and off for many years was the attractive dining room and quiet yet warm ambiance. As in prior visits, the meal was delicious from beginning to end. The servers were knowledgeable, bright and attentive. At our request, the chef came out. Although we had only a moment before he retreated shyly, it was a pleasure to meet the man behind the marvelous meal.  We hope the team’s enthusiasm leads them to new heights, and look forward to visiting Les Elysées du Vernet in the future.

Once again we departed Les Elysees du Vernet smiling. We found outstanding food and service in a beautiful dining room and a prime location for a good price, especially for the fixed price menu.  

Location In the lobby of the Hotel du Vernet, two blocks off the Champs Elysées

Owned Hoche Investissement

Chef Eric Briffard

               

About the chef Prior to joining Les Elysee du Vernet in December of 2002, Eric Briffard headed La Régence, the gourmet restaurant at the Plaza Athenee Hotel. Earlier in his career he was executive chef of the Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo. He was also executive chef at Jamin restaurant in Paris. His mentors were Joel Robuchon, Marc Meneau and Philippe Groult. In 1994, he received the presidential medal for Meilleur Ouvrier (Best Craftsman of France).

Sous chef Yann Morel and Thierry Berger

Pastry chef Dominique Cornec

General manager Henri Girot

Restaurant manager André Wawrzyniak

Sommelier Patrice Vidaller

Handicapped access No. There were several steps leading down into the dining room.

Type of food Classic French

Size The restaurant occupied 130 square meters of space and could seat up to 50 guests, 70 for private functions. There were 17 staff members.

Special menus/pricing The Lunch Menu was an excellent value at 59 euros for three set courses. There were two additional menus:  A four course Dinner Menu for 94 euros and a seven course Tasting Menu for 130 euros.

Languages spoken French, some English

Style of décor The décor was classic with a stunning stained glass ceiling in the main dining room and an adjacent enclosed terrace. The main dining room vaulted ceiling was decorated by Charles Champigneulle and its metal frame was designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame.

Conference facilities/private meeting rooms One 400 square foot (40 m2) meeting room was available.

Wine and spirits details There was a broad selection of wine and spirits including 900 types of wine and 12,000 bottles in the cellar. There was regular and rosé champagne by the glass. Noteworthy items included Château Margaux 1928, Romanée Conti 1982, Château Petrus 1982 and Armagnac 1902 Domaine Ognoas.

Food Once again our meal was adventurous, fun and surprisingly delicious. We started with yummy amouse bouche to go with our rosé champagne (Billecart Salmon). There was a selection of breads including olive, cereal, and crunchy baby baguettes. Our first course from the set Lunch Menu was scallops, Les Noix de Sanint-Jacques dorées au parmesan, crème de laitue a la muscade , and lightly flavored and beautifully prepared langoustines (a substitution they were kind enough to offer). Next we enjoyed savory duckling, Poitrine de Canette Challandaise aux 5 épices, navets/dates/citron confit .

We concluded our meal with the terrific hazelnut, cookie and pear-ginger sorbet, La Noisette “Cazette” en biscuit mi-cuit, sorbet poire/gingembre . 

Service Servers were well organized and effective without being intrusive. From the aperitif to the dessert, servers were there sometimes even before we looked for them. Their recommendations were helpful and discreet and they kindly answered questions in English.

Other Les Elysees du Vernet received a second star from the famed Michelin guidebook in 2007 and received 3 toques (chef’s hat) from the Gaultmillau Guide. The fixed priced menu was a fixed selection menu with only one option per course. When I asked for another option for one of the courses the staff graciously, offered me an alternative dish.   

Latest visit January 2007

Would you dine there again? Yes

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