Lynn was unavailable last month for lunch so I went with another friend.
I was invited for lunch by the publicist for L’Hedoniste, a restaurant I didn’t know about. I did some research beforehand and found it was a reputable restaurant with good online reviews.
I usually like to dine on the early side for lunch before places get too crowded, but I found out L’Hedoniste starting serving at 12:30, which I thought was odd. Obviously it was a late lunch crowd, because the restaurant was empty when we arrived at 12:30. The interior was warm and pleasant, a typical French bistro with dark wood floors, blonde colored stone walls, wooden chairs and tables and a blackboard menu.
The Formule Midi at 19.50 for two courses was the best buy on the menu as the prices for plats were in the mid-20s range. It was a little confusing as there was also a Menu Dejeuner fro 28.5 euros for two courses, which I gather had more choices than the Formule Midi, which offered only one dish in each category.
The first course was of slivered asparagus tips on a bed of spelt grains surrounded by foam was artfully presented in an oversized white china bowl. The asparagus were crisp and perfectly cooked, with the crunchy spelt and the dish was an excellent introduction to spring. Next up for our plat was plump, succulent ginger scented chicken served with Asian style buckwheat noodles. A killer dessert (an additional 4.5 euros but definitely worth the price) of a dark, intense chocolate mousse with a crunch topping with a pineapple coulis was cleverly served on a long black slate.
Although the food was delicious and satisfying and a terrific value for 19.5 euros, I had a problem with the slow service. We were the first diner’s to arrive, yet we waited over 15 minutes for our starter, another 25 minutes for our main courses, and I had to ask twice for the dessert to be served, which came out 20 minutes later. I allotted 90 minutes for lunch, which should be ample time to have a three-course meal, but I had to rush through dessert in order to get to my next appointment in time. Maybe they were having an off day in the kitchen. I would recommend L’Hedoniste if you have two hours for a leisurely lunch and don’t mind having long intervals in between courses.
L’Hedoniste
14 rue Leópold Bellan, 75002
Metro: Etienne Marcel
Tel. 01 40 26 87 33
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday
http://www.lhedoniste.com
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.