by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
From the outside this small restaurant on a quiet Paris street revealed little of the gourmet treasures and extraordinary service hidden inside. It was a brutally cold day when we last visited Guy Savoy’s main establishment. We arrived early and were waiting across the street for the restaurant to open when we observed other guests entering. We quickly followed them in to find welcoming staff just inside the doors at a reception desk. They whisked away our coats and guided us to a small dining area in the rear of the restaurant.
by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Since our last visit to this well known Parisian restaurant in the posh eighth arrondissement the property had been revamped and the meal service improved. We appreciated the warm and cordial service and tasty meal during our recent lunch there and were pleased with the changes. In the same way, the classic dishes and attentive service worked well with the subtle modern décor and historic setting, they had just enough
The redecorated interior was contemporary, in shades of brown and gray, contrasting with the historic building.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2007 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
This is one of our favorite top tier gourmet restaurants anywhere, offering an excellent balance of charming historic ambiance, warm and attentive service, broad wine list options and delectable French world class food.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2007 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
For years Alain Passard has been recognized for his vision and culinary wizardry, especially with vegetables. Our last visit revealed a chef at the top of his game reveling in his ability to surprise and delight diners with amazing dishes that emphasize the essential flavors of the ingredients.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2007 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We found Pierre Gagnaire’s signature restaurant tucked in a corner of the empty Belle Époque Hotel Balzac, on a quiet side street a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysees. Although there was no sign or number to indicate we had the correct address and from the outside the building looked empty, on closer inspection we discovered a promotional flyer for the restaurant in a display case.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2007 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Every time we dine at Helene Darroze we leave satisfied and looking forward to a prompt return. On our most recent visit to Paris, hers was the only restaurant we visited three times; three times, the meal was fantastic. Her dishes were bold, playful and full of surprises. We found the usual items available at other top tier French restaurants like truffles, scallops, duck and goose foie gras paired or prepared in unexpected ways or with exotic ingredients. Combinations that in a less experienced and gifted chef might annoy or clash, were vibrant, memorable, and perhaps most important worth repeating. Her style, though elegant and thoroughly French, is novel and packs a culinary punch. We hope it has staying power.
