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 - 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? 

Public

For Valentine's Day Weekend, Robert surprised me and took me to Public, a Michelin star awarded restaurant in SoHo. As I walked into the restaurant, I thought it looked familiar and confused it with Fig and Olive, another favorite of mine. The decor and ambience of both are very similar: modern and classy with a hip feel.

In addition to its coveted Michelin Star, Public's chef Brad Farmerie has been named as one of the Top 50 Chefs to Watch. Needless to say, I was very eager to try the food here. 

We started off with a bottle of Syrah from New Zealand. I would highly recommend this bottle; it's rich and fruity and reasonably priced. 

Syrah, Gunn Estate, 2007, New Zealand

For appetizers, we began with the grilled kangaroo. We ordered this because it's different: you don't encounter kangaroo on the menu at that many restaurants in the US. To those who have never had kangaroo before - the Public version tasted like chicken but a bit juicier.

Grilled kangaroo on a coriander falafel with lemon tahini sauce and green pepper relish

For our main courses, Robert ordered the New Zealand venison loin and I had the herb crusted cod. Both were extremely delicious. You cannot go wrong with either.

New Zealand venison loin, Cabrales dumplings, oyster mushrooms and salsa verde

Next time that I eat here, I'm going to order a side of the brussel sprouts, which our waiter recommended. The couple beside us ordered a side of this and the smell made my mouth water. I had a taste from my cod dish as you can see from the green specs below, but next time I want the entire thing!

Herb crusted cod with a barley squash risotto, Brussels sprout leaves and squid ink sauce

Elegant yet hip, impressive but not too fancy ... this place would be perfect for a first or second date ... getting to know someone that you like, but not wanting to send the wrong message of being too serious. (Not trying to imply you shouldn't go here if you are in a serious relationship either! It's just a great first date idea!)