Paris! The city of lights, romance, and, of course, gastronomy. As I eagerly anticipated our trip, I couldn’t help but wonder about the impact of the Summer Olympics on the city’s renowned fine dining scene. Rumors swirled about government initiatives encouraging restaurants to remain open throughout the event, rather than taking their traditional summer holidays. While many establishments cooperated, a significant number opted for their usual break on August 11th, the day the Olympics concluded. Talk about a headache for a meticulous planner like myself! Our arrival was scheduled for August 16th, smack-dab in the middle of the culinary shutdown. A quick search revealed that only three of Paris’s ten Michelin-starred restaurants would be open during our stay.
A Culinary Oasis in the City of Lights
Undeterred, we embarked on our culinary quest. After extensive research, I secured a reservation at Restaurant Le Tout Paris, nestled within the luxurious Cheval Blanc Paris hotel. This elegant establishment shares a prestigious address with the Michelin-starred Plénitude, which, unfortunately, was enjoying a two-week summer holiday during our visit.
Le Tout Paris is a true gem, boasting stunning views of the Seine River and a captivating ambiance. From the outset, the restaurant promised an exquisite, yet casual, fine-dining experience.
A Glimpse of Parisian Charm
Before embarking on our culinary journey, I couldn’t resist stepping out onto the terrace to soak in the breathtaking panorama. The River Seine flowed gracefully below, its waters reflecting the city’s vibrant energy. In the distance, the iconic Eiffel Tower stood proudly against the azure sky, a symbol of Parisian charm.
A Symphony of Flavors
Our meal commenced with a delightful amuse-bouche: a red prawn tartare, delicately concealed beneath a cloud of lime foam and caviar. The lime’s refreshing acidity played a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the prawn. Although I found the tartare a bit challenging to chew, I suspect my weary body, still recovering from a long flight, may have been the culprit.
Following closely behind was a potato croquette, its delicate crunch enhanced by a subtle kick of spicy herbs.
Next, beautifully cooked langoustines arrived, accompanied by a “woody broth” infused with rosemary. While our server described it as such, I found its flavor profile more reminiscent of a classic shellfish bisque. The broth was light and flavorful, allowing the natural essence of the ingredients to shine through.
A vibrant side dish of assorted mushrooms, zucchini, crunchy baby turnips, and onions provided a burst of color and texture. The dish was a delightful combination of clean flavors and a satisfying crunch.
A Pigeon Worthy of the City of Love
We couldn’t resist indulging in a pigeon, smoked with rosemary. Pigeon is a classic Parisian delicacy, and we were confident the kitchen would prepare it to perfection. And they didn’t disappoint! The pigeon was cooked to a beautiful rosé, with a slightly crispy skin.
A Sweet Finale
Although we were comfortably full, we couldn’t resist a few mignardises to satisfy our sweet tooth. The meal concluded with a panna cotta, adorned with a vibrant passion fruit dressing. The intensity of the passion fruit provided a tangy finish to our culinary adventure.
A Parisian Dining Experience Remembered
Despite a few minor imperfections, our first official meal in Paris was a delightful success. The view was stunning, and the service was impeccable, just as we had expected. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t quite as cooperative as we had hoped. The unanticipated chill of the Parisian summer and a persistent wind thwarted our plans to dine on the terrace. Additionally, my body was still adjusting to the long flight, which unfortunately dampened my enjoyment.
Despite these minor setbacks, we thoroughly enjoyed our culinary journey at Le Tout Paris. The food was delicious, the ambiance was charming, and the service was top-notch. Paris, you truly are a city of exquisite culinary delights!
