Inaugurated on May 5th, 1862 by Empress Eugenie, the Café de la Paix is a mythical venue in the capital city, frequented at the turn of the 20th century by Diaghalev, Nijinsky and bon vivant, piansit extraordinaire, the young Artur Rubinstein.
Aftercseven years at the Royal Monceau Michelin-starred chef Laurent André is now running the kitchen and the Café can now offer a cuisine equal to the elegance of the space.
My daughter had invited me for lunch and within moments of our arrival the maitre de salon, Camille, presented us with flutes of Veuve Clicquot rosé.
Patricia started with a cold soup of juicy tomatos, crumbled bread, parmesan, basil and black olive oil. In anticipation of an upcoming visit to la cote d'Azur I opted for marinated rougets. From a carefully selected wine list I chose Savennières Chamboureau Domaine FL, a bone dry chenin blanc from the Loire that is rarely found on a list of wines by the glass.
No difference of opinion for a main course–grilled Atlantic tuna accompanied by piquillos stuffed with zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes, Piperade Juice with Espelette pepper.
We had decided to skip desssert and share a cheese plate, but, when Patricia saw a server go by with a tray of Café Liégeois we changed our minds and shared this decadent mixture of coffee and vanilla ice cream, chilled expresso and whipped cream.
A fine meal in magificent surroundings, served by a welcoming staff-and at 39 euros (Plat, Dessert) and 45 euros (Entrée, plat) this is an excellemt experience.
My next visit will be in September when the Sunday brunch reappears–stay tuned.
5 Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris
