6 & 8

6 & 8

In these two chicissime districts of Paris are two resto/lounges of note whose design ambiances complement perfectly their creative gastronomy and charming service.

 

(6) 

Alcazar

62 rue Mazarine, Paris 75006 I 01.53.10.19.99 I alcazar.fr

 

Making an entry is quintessential: at Alcazar, step lightly along the catwalk hallway as a light projector sends bright orange koi fish splashing at your feet. Then, up a light-studded staircase catch a glimpse of classic b&w films are on each wall as you settle into your smooth velvet seat on the glass mezzanine, a magnificent fresh flower centerpiece suspended from the skyroof catches your eye. Raw Asian cult art with brigh flashes of red interject the modern French décor ... and finally, all focus falls on the menu.

 

Recommended dishes? App with the tuna tartare à la mangue (glass of Chardonnay), followed by a succulent magret de canard in a bittersweet fig sauce (glass of Bourgogne) ... the millefeuille aux fraises is an endless stack of crispy pastry, rich cream and tangy berries. Mmmm! 

 

Monday evening is a real treat with live Opera sung alongside the baby grand centererd in the fine dining salon below. The tenor is quite the tempation for the ladies: not only is he a sweet swooner, but his cute dimples and chocolate-brown eyes are heart-breaking. Later in the week, visiting DJs spin jazzy grooves with a live sax accent.

 

For the best service in the house, ask for Mikael or Youssef by name; they are the life of the party and are sure to make your experience at Alcazar absoluement parfaite!

(8) 

Renoma Café Gallery

32 ave George V, 75008 Paris I 01.47.20.46.19 I renoma-paris.com

 

It's what Maurice Renoma calls 'une esthétique post-industrielle'. As pictures say a thousand words, I'll let the images speak for your personal interpretation of Renoma's magnificent creations.

 

In the couchy living area before the bar, leaf through vintage books and magazines chosen by Renoma's team of attentive, confident staff, conveniently recruited from the Mini Palais café in the Grand Palais: art & gourmet just can't get enough of each other!  

 

At lunchtime, Renoma makes a work of art out of a simple tartine: creamy white chèvre wrapped in fresh ham tinted with white truffle oil rests on top of mesclun speckled with drops of aged balsamic vinaiger from modena; the toasted baguette alongside poses nude until you become the artist to build your own goat cheese sandwich sculpture. To sip: a glass (or two, if it's lunch on a Friday ;) of rosé from St. Tropez. 

 

Again, we see the DJ theme pop up as evenings come alive at this open space of sensual wonders. Mid-week is best, as the hip Parisian crowd emerges from the woodwork of happy hours to top of the night with haute selections from Renoma's extensive champagne list. Chin!