Guide To Dining In Paris- Become friends with the Chef

It’s All About Who You Know

As a nanny, I had the opportunity to travel to many world destinations, Paris being one of them. I have been stationed in Paris for extended periods of time and always find this city to be full of passionate artists, chefs, poets, filmmakers and writers.

As a tourist, it may be tricky to know what is actually worth visiting, and what would be a shame to miss. The ability to speak French really opens doors in a place where people are not well known to be the most outwardly friendly or sociable to strangers. One evening, on a night off from work, I met a chef at an Irish Style Pub in Les Batignolles neighborhood.

Find a Local and get your hands on a restaurant list.

After I noticed he was drinking my favorite Irish stout, we started up a conversation and by the end of the evening, I had a list of fine dining spots in Paris and an invite to visit the most wonderful restaurant I have ever dined at thus far: Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx.

The next week, I visited Mesure Thierry where I discovered French Gastronomie for the first time. This type of dining is an experience. everything from the decor to the tableware transports you into a futuristic time warp of wonder.

Spring for the wine pairing

I was lucky to have a “friend” in the business, which helped us to have a prompt reservation, special pours and a few fun extras but this meal was certainly not free! In fact, this was the only fine dining experience I had during a 2 month stay in Paris and the most expensive meal I have ever enjoyed. In this situation I had two options; Enjoy it to the fullest, or go home wishing I did!

Pictured is a sommelier paired, 2016 Le Trescol, Cabernet and Gamay from Aveyron by Oliver Jullien . Earthy, Black Fruit, Leather.

Try Something New

If I could describe my meal in one word it would be “Innovative”. While this was French precision and elegance no doubt, the experimental innovation in Marx’s cuisine is what was truly impressive. Ngiri made from thinly sliced tomato on rice, consomé served in a foam rather than as a liquid. In many ways it obliges the diner to savour with the senses rather than trust the eyes or the palate. This is a remarkable way to learn rather than to expect what you are eating to taste and feel a certain way.

The List:

-Sur Mesure Par Thierry Marx (2 ** Michelin )- 251 rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, Paris, France 

-Restaurant Pierre Gagniare (2** Michelin) -251 rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, Paris, France 

-Gabriel - 4 plates $115- 7 Rue de l'Étoile, 75017 Paris, France

-Divellec ( seafood) - 18 Rue Fabert, 75007 Paris, France