Dining Updates in Paris

The dining scene in Paris changes at such a rapid pace, with new chefs opening restaurants and established chefs moving to new venues, that even the most devoted, up to date foodies can’t keep up. Here are some of the latest developments.

Last December, the highly successful one-star Michelin restaurant l’Agapé, owned by Lawrence Lapaire, took on a new chef, Benoit Dumas. At only 35 years old, Dumas has almost a 20-year resume, working in prestigious restaurants in Paris and abroad, including Alain Senderens in Paris, Toqué in Montreal (named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants) and Il Carpaccio at Hotel Royal Monceau, Paris.

We were recently invited to the restaurant to taste the carte blanche menu. The dining room has tables set spaciously apart and seats 35 to 40 people, with sophisticated yet simple décor. With over seven courses, we thought we would be overwhelmed, but each dish was a delight, not only in the exuberant taste, but in the presentation. That was just as much the star of the show, with sculptural, artist-like china and porcelain dishes. A variety of delicately layered beets in red and yellow with a cloud of cream was a refreshing salad course, followed by a fish course of meaty monkfish and a meat course of roasted leg of lamb and sweetbreads. A divine duo dessert of a Pavlova with exotic fruits and a pear William crème brulee with black cardamom was a sweet grand finale.

L’Agapé
51 Rue Jouffroy d'Abbans, 75017
http://www.agape-paris.fr/

In the 16th arrondissement on Ave Kleber, where the swanky Peninsula Hotel and the grand dame Raphael Hotel are the luxury lynchpins, a new supper club and cabaret has joined the ranks. Masha is the brainchild of entrepreneur Antonin Cornet, a native Parisian. The chic lobby café is a dazzling display of bold black and white zigzag patterned floor, black and white striped wicker banquettes, and teal blue mid-century dining chairs. Downstairs is a combination of glamorous dining with a touch of graffiti; tasteful cream-colored leather banquettes and dining chairs are mixed with a bold mural in pink and red by Japanese street artist Fan Sack. Asian chef Takahiro Matsumoto, who formerly worked with Paris chefs Eric Frechon and Pierre Gagnaire, has created an appealing menu of French signature dishes with a Japanese spin. Sushi chef Makoto from Japan cuts the freshest sushi and sashimi.

The performance lounge has a black lacquer grand piano for performers and also had a DJ spinning six nights a week.

Masha
85 avenue Kleber, 75016
Metro: Trocadero
www.masha-paris.com
Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday
Dinner Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday for brunch

Long gone are the days of the limited continental breakfast of a croissant and undrinkable coffee at most Parisian hotels. Breakfast buffets are now a healthy staple at mid-price and luxury hotels. The Hyatt Paris Madeleine is elevating their breakfast buffets another notch by bringing in top, local artisanal food producers to show off their premium products.

Suppliers include Clementine Oliver, serving gluten free butter cookies, cakes and cream puffs; Alexandre Pignut, offering handmade Passionné cheese; Le Prince de Paris/Yves et Florian Le Guel, providing old-fashioned Paris ham; Frédéric Lalos, with bread and breakfast pastries; Jöelle et Charlotte Sanchez, with smoked salmon; and organic, hand-prepared muesli and granola by Julie Lutringer.

The buffet is open to guests of the hotel and the public. The price is 30€ per person including coffee, tea and fresh juices, along with prepared egg dishes. Serving Monday to Friday 6:30AM-10: 30AM and weekends 6:30AM-11AM.

Hyatt Paris Madeleine
24 boulevard Malesherbes, 75008
www.hyatt.com

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