(Paris, France). There are a myriad of high-end restaurants in Paris but after a lot of research I decided to try Spring - a small prix-fixe only restaurant opened by American chef Daniel Rose, which meticulously focuses on seasonal ingredients. It is located very close to the Louvre and reservations are required several weeks in advance which can easily be done online or via email.
So how was the meal?
Fortunately it turned out to be our favorite high-end meal in Paris on this trip. The service, ambience, food, wine and presentation were all top-notch. Formal, but not stuffy.
When we first arrived in the deserted looking alleyway near the touristy chaos of St. Germain and the Louvre, we were concerned that we had the wrong address. But once you step into the restaurant, you are shrouded in a zen-like atmosphere. We were immediately seated and offered champagne and bread and butter.
Soon the parade of food began and we happily enjoyed the innovation and freshness of each dish.
We began with a incredibly simple, but delightful dish of cantaloupe and feta, drizzled with olive oil and herbs. Sweet and salty, with a touch of freshness.
Then we had a small plate of roasted mushrooms. Again, simple yet boldly flavorful like balsamic vinegar.
This was followed by tender and sweet bites of lobster flanked with brilliantly fresh tomatoes.
Then, a sweet white fish - tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. Oddly enough, I thought the potatoes that soaked up all the flavors and juices under the fish were even more exciting than the fish itself.
At this point, we were rather full, but were still tempted by the crispy quail. Very juicy and flavorful.
This was served with a side salad topped with slices of foie gras. This was the only dish that I thought was ... how do I put it .... unnecessary. I didn't think either the salad or the foie gras was enhanced by the pairing, but as I really like foie gras, I was happy to pick the slices off and tuck them into my mouth.
They then offered a trio of desserts - a fruit tarte, a sorbet and a sabayon type of cream. All were lovely, but the food was definitely the standout, but then again, I'm not big on desserts.
The wine pairings were also lovely, but to date, my favorite wine pairing at any restaurant would still have to be at I Portici Restaurant in Bologna, Italy. (See my review here.)
The meal for two at Spring, including wine pairing, was about $333 USD.
Some good resources for Paris restaurants that I recommend you check out if you are searching for dining suggestions are below:
Both of the above blogs recommended Spring and I would have to agree. The entire experience was wonderful. However, if you are looking for more traditional French food, then perhaps this is not the place for you.
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