Piemontese Enrico Einaudi left his accounting job at Schlumberger to follow a passion for hospitality by opening Crazy Pizza in Fontainebleau. After successfully opening three more bistros he set his sights on Paris and is feeding hungry shoppers from the nearby Avenue Matignon in the building that also houses the famous auction house Artcurial.
Piemontese Enrico Einaudi left his accounting job at Schlumberger to follow a passion for hospitality by opening Crazy Pizza in Fontainebleau. After successfully opening three more bistros he set his sights on Paris and isnow feeding hungry shoppers from the nearby Avenue Matignon in the building that also houses the famous auction house Artcurial.
The atrium setting is modern yet warm. The warmth is matched by the young wait staff. The products are all Italy’s finest: fig-mustard confiture, aged cheeses, superb balsamic vinegars and great grappas. As at any of Enrico’s properties I start with a sparkler from Valentino and whatever amuse-bouches the chef has concocted.
Working from the daily 23 euro formule I started with the salade ‘La Seduzione’-mesclun, cod ‘petals’, preserved peppers, baby carrots, radish slices, asparagus, thin truffle slices and pine nuts generously sprinkled with 36 month old parmesano.
My main course was a grilled filet de bar accompanied by aubergines and a side of gnocchi. Very simple-just the freshest ofpesci simply prepared. I selected a Barbera from Elio Grasso from their extensive and exclusively Italian wine list.
For dessert I chose a Café Gourmand-an assortment of mini-sized pastries and espresso. A good way to end a meal. Well, not quite–there’s always room for grappa.
Café Artcurial is a lovely-spot for a sun-filled lunch and the word is out. On my visit the room was filled with stylish shoppers-reservations recommended
7 Rond-Point des Champs Elysées–Marcel Dassault, 01-53 76 39 34
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt
