In Paris - A Tasting Menu with Pierre Gagnaire Himself

Robert and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary by having the tasting menu at the 3-Michelin starred Pierre Gagnaire. It was the best fine dining experience I have ever had - even better than Daniel in New York. The four hours of nonstop amazing food was already A++, but the service was truly VIP. They only served about 15 parties, and Pierre Gagnaire himself visited each table to ensure that they were having a good time.  
 

Me, Pierre Gagnaire, and Robert

I was so shocked when Pierre Gagnaire greeted us during our meal that I forgot to take a picture, so our waiter (he's moving to NY in a few months to waiter at Daniel) asked Pierre Gagnaire to meet us at the lobby to take a picture. Such great service; he was willing to move mountains for us. When we were leaving, I mentioned that I wanted to stop by the Longchamp store and within seconds he went to the computer and googled directions for us.

amuse-bouche

another amuse-bouche

 Series of appetizers:

the appetizers all together

Salpicon of tourteau crab and celery, dog cockles, cucumber / wasabi sorbet

Cremeux of burrata cheese, shredded mortadella and red orach

Jelly of fennel / Bonito fish / mediterranean sardines

Grenailles potatoes flavoured with Sezchuan pepper, coarsley chopped Coeur de pigeon, tomatoes, and Paris mushrooms with miso

Soufleed bread stuffed with a nettle mousseline, young garden broccolis

 Series of entrees:

Gilt-head bream carpaccio with Guernica chilli, Albator tuna and white asparagus; juice of black olives from Nyons thickened with rhubarb, corn bread croutons

Fricassee of Rex rabbit from Poitou flavoured with oregano, leeks, carrots and turnips in sweet and sour sauce; red-leaf salad fondue

The liver pan-sauteed a la Diable, snails petits gris and gnocchis flavoured with garlic cream

Series of desserts: 

 

picking the final dessert - chocolate

Finally ... coffee
 

Last week, I came across the list of the "Top 50 Restaurants in the World" and Pierre Gagnaire was ranked 16. Surprisingly, below L'Atelier. After experiencing both in the same week, I would definitely rank Pierre Gagnaire above L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. This place is a must! I am in love with this restaurant, and it is by far my favorite tasting menu yet!


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More Information:

Pierre Gagnaire (http://www.pierre-gagnaire.com)

Category: French

Attire: Extra Dressy

Price Range: $$$$$ 

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In Paris - Walking Along the Champs-Elysees

Location: Champs-Elysees, Paris

On day 3 of our Paris vacation, we decided to explore the Louvre. After the Louvre, we walked along the Champs-Elysees and came across this chic restaurant called De Vez.  We decided to eat here to kill time before seeing a show later that night. After a bottle of wine, we lost track of time and missed the show for that night, but thankfully we made it back to see the show two days later. 

Robert + me in front of the Louvre

                                                                                  

Obligatory pose while walking along the Champs-Elysees

Risotto with Morel Mushrooms

Surprisingly, this dish came with a lot of Morel Mushrooms, considering how expensive they are. They are my new love. Yum. 

Terrine of Chicken + Duck Foie Gras

Beef Tartare with Fried Cheese on the Top

De Vez

Dessert - cheese plate

the bottle of wine that made us miss our show!

Eiffel Tower at Night

The restaurant was only a 15 minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower, so after dinner, we decided to take a stroll to see this romantic icon. A friend from work told me about this amazing crepe place next to the Eiffel Tower, but sadly at that point we were too full to eat more.

In Paris - the French Version of the 53rd and 6th Halal Cart

Location: Near the Notre-Dame, Paris

After L'Atelier, I was craving for more local food, aka street food, to balance my food experience in Paris. I saw a picture of the gyros from Maison du Gyros on a food blog and immediately wanted to try some. (sidenote: I am a big fan of the lamb / chicken over rice from the NY food carts.) Once we learned that Maison du Gyros was near the Notre-Dame, we planned our Notre-Dame tour around this fast food Greek restaurant. It was imperative that I try the Paris version of my favorite NY drunk food.

the chicken for my gyro

my 4.50Euro gyro - delicious!

The picture does not do the gyro justice; you can't even see the tomatoes and lettuce in this picture. yummmm.... freshly shaved juicy meat, tomatoes and lettuce drenched in tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita. And yes, much better than the ones from the food carts in NY.

Afterwards, we made our way to the Notre-Dame.

In Paris - Lunching at the 2-Michelin Starred L'Atelier

Location: Saint-Germain, Paris

Robert made lunch reservations a few weeks in advance at Joel Robuchon's L'Atelier in Saint-Germain. Little did I know how famous Joel Robuchon is! He has been named "Chef of the Century," awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (France's best craftsman), and has 26 Michelin Guide Stars from his dozen restaurants all over the world. 26!!!  


We sat down and I knew I was in for a gastronomique treat. 

Modern & chic ambience

12-years old ham from Spain

the amuse-bouche - bruschetta

the wine & wine holder :) 

la langoustine - in truffled ravioli. my fav!!!

the mashed potatoes that they are famous for - delicious and extremely buttery

red snapper

pigeon wrapped in foie gras and greens. yummm! 

magnum bottle of wine for the meal

coffee + candies for dessert

Robert + me

Robert outside the restaurant

L'Atelier is new-aged fine-dining at its best with its trendy atmosphere and deliciously thought-out and executed food. 


Have you been to a Joel Robuchon restaurant? Which one is your favorite?