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Pirouette & Zébulon, Paris 1st

Pirouette is in the 1st arrondissement, adjacent to Les Halles, opened by chef Tomy Gousset.  Under the same ownership as Pirouette is Zebulon, adjacent to the Palais Royale, a few blocks away.  Both have clean, modern decor but are rather noisy due to the absence of soft furnishings.  We preferred the food & ambience at Pirouette & it was cheaper. Having said that, the pheasant & foie gras pie at Zébulon was impressive, if altogether too rich as an entrée for this diner.  Similarly, desserts at Zébulon were rather too rich, whereas the “Espada Thym/Citron Glace Fruits de la Passion” at Pirouette was superb.  The Lapierre 2014 Morgon at Pirouette was rather a disappointment, in contrast to earlier vintages of this wine.  At Pirouette the lighting was particularly subdued, hence the very grainy photos.

A Superb Lunch in Beaujolais

Lunch at the 1 Michelin star La Table de Chaintré in the village of Chaintré, just outside Maçon, proved to be the culinary highlight of the trip so far.  The menu featured a series of beautifully executed dishes, all with superb flavours.  The Bresse chicken & the hare were highlights.  The hare had been very well hung & the sauce was intensely flavoured.  This meal was far better than a lunch at Troisgros (3 Michelin stars) on our last trip, even if there was perhaps a bit of overkill with the desserts.