Manger | Paris

Manger (to eat): Je mange (I eat), tu manges (you eat), il/elle mange (he/she eats)…

Manger is cultivated from the Toques & Partage project where great chefs train and pass on their experiences and techniques to the socially excluded.

This restaurant  is a simple and cosy bistro with open kitchen. There is nothing pretentious and uptight about this restaurant, which makes it so comfortable. The interior was done by Marie Deroudilhe, an architect who had collaborated with Alain Ducasse at Rech and Christophe Michalak's Masterclass.

Before I go any further, this post is unlike my usual write up with pictures of food. As I was dining with the family of one of P's closest friends, I refrained myself from the urge of taking pictures of the food. I wanted to be polite so all the pictures below are directly from Manger's website and Facebook page. 

The Dinner des Chefs menu of the week were created by great chefs; Anne-Sophie Pic, Flora Mikula, Adeline Grattard and Christophe Michalak. All courses were of great standards and tasted delicious. Even the colour contrasts on the plate was beautiful. This is one of those meals that lures your inner temptation and makes you want more. My favourite course of the night was Anne-Sophie's starter that was too beautifully executed, I'm already thinking of visiting her La Dame de Pic restaurant next time. 

The menu we had on the night

Dessert was a large profiterole filled with caramel ice cream and chocolate sauce on the side to pour. A very simple and humble dessert that was given its utmost respect and executed to a magnificent level, Christophe Michalak must be proud with the chef who made it. That was by far the best profiterole I have ever had. Simple it looked, but the best it was.

The booth on the far left was where the ultimate desserts were plated

Service was exceptional. We were even given a glass of champagne each at the end of our meal as they had to shift our table half a meter to make space. It was not a hassle for us at all but that tells you the attention to detail they put into the succession of this restaurant.

It was another night to remember in Paris.

Smile..

Great food by the best chefs in Paris and a very sleek, friendly service. Quality.

Frown..

There is nothing to frown about.

Will I return?

Definitely.


Manger
24 Rue Keller, 
75011 Paris, France

Tel: +33 143 386 915
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday for lunch & dinner

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Maxim's | Paris

For someone who thinks Paris is overrated (based on my trip from 6 years ago), I have been proven wrong by my dear Frenchman.  Our first stop was the famous café Les DeuxMagots who had likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway as its patrons. I was promised the best hot chocolate, even with my scepticism up on guard, I had to agree that was the best one I have had so far. Later, we went for a stroll through the charming streets of Paris, discovering little gems and somehow ended up at Maxim’s.

Maxim’s is immensely popular and fashionable amongst the elite. Dali, Marcel Proust, Bridgette Bardot, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, you name it have all been here. 

We asked the manager, "Who has been here?" 

He replied ,”The question is who has NEVER been here!?” 

He showed us the restaurant and spontaneously we decided to have dinner here. It was not my idea but hey, spontaneity is where fun lies. Decorated in art nouveau style, now owned by Pierre Cardin, this place was mesmerising not only from its interior but from the ambience as a whole, with friendly and attentive service to the lady entertainer who reminds me of Edith Piaf. I also loved the existence of a dance floor in the restaurant as diners danced to the tunes in between meals. How romantic! 

"Magical is what this place is about." 

Smile..

Magical is what this place is about. It was definitely an experience to remember. 
Also, women's menu does not have price on! Order whatever you like on the menu and your male companion shall sweat profusely all night until he feeds the bill.

Frown..

Very pricey.

Will I return?

Well yes of course but it won't be too soon.


Maxim's
3 Rue Royale, 
75008 Paris, France

Tel: +33 142 652 794

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Les Deux Magots for best hot chocolate | Paris

When I was promised that Les Deux Magots makes the best hot chocolate, I was doubtful. As I uttered, “That was a big statement” giving him my unconvinced gaze, I did not have high hopes. I would think they will serve a good cup of hot chocolate. The best!? Is that really possible? 

As we entered, we were shown to one of their tiny tables with only a hand width apart from the next table. The two Parisian ladies had their eyes on me, staring up and down. Who knows what was going on in their heads; either I had some sort of mud all over me or that they were in awe of my stunning self. I will like to believe it is the latter.

So here came a pot with two empty cups. As we poured the silky chocolate liquid that was thick with a perfect consistency, the alluring smell wafted through my breathing tubes. So far, it has captured many of my senses. Then came the ultimate form of judgement, taste! I lifted the cup close to my lips and couldn't help but took a long inhalation to soak up all there was to smell. One sip, and my eyes went “ding!” wide open, sat up straight, smiled, sip again and then the sound of jackpot hits every part of my senses! It was one memorable courtship with this extraordinary warm chocolate liquid.

Smile..

I have had a fair share of good hot chocolates and well, this has been the best so far.

This is one famous cafe, where the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway were patrons of.

Frown..

It's not in London!! :( 

Will I return?

Oui Oui Oui!!

Les Deux Magots

6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés,

75006 Paris, France

Tel: +33 145 485 525

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