Hez on Air: (backdated) Food quest during our last months in Paris

As the title suggests, I'm on a mission to chronicle all the food places we managed to "conquer" over the course of 3 months before we left Paris for good. What's going to follow may seem extravagant and sometimes even over-indulgent but you have to understand.. For such foodies like us, saying goodbye to this country was hard enough. What better to do than leave with as few regrets as possible? Not that we won't be coming back ever again, but..it's just different..

Heh anyway, 2nd visit to this highly-acclaimed bistro headed by Chef Gregory Marchand, who "spent most of his career working at Jamie Oliver's 15 in London". Those familiar with Paris' food scene would have heard of his (nick)name. Opens every week night only and the menu (choice of starter main and/or dessert) changes irregularly (I think?) Which explains why whether it suits your taste or not really depends on your luck that day. Space is extremely limited. Probably sits around 20 people or so - which means reservations way in advance! About a month prior to your visit, give them a call (specifically weekday 3-5pm only) and hope for the best. No doubt it takes effort to grab a slot but still doable. Persistence, you know?

In my opinion, the main selling point is his well-thought-out and beautifully-presented food at a very reasonable price. Almost like a casual fine-dining option. Food served is more traditional than inventive, which could appeal to many. However with all the hype and what not, I was a tad disappointed by the heaviness of the dishes and how some of them weren't SO different from other decent french bistros. Sure, certain courses deserve a certain amount of credit, but overall I feel that food here lacks creativity which in turn lacks uniqueness. Looking back at photos of the food now, I find there isn't one that makes me go, "God I'd give anything to have a taste of it again". So yes, you get my point.

Then again, we always have to look at the price-value proposition right? Hence don't get me wrong. By all means go for it if you're looking for a good hearty french meal! What I'm saying is don't expect to be blown away but expect to leave your dinner table happy :)

Below, Chef Greg & his assitant with Joanne & JD.

Name: Frenchie (website)

Location:5 rue du Nil, 75002 Paris

Expenditure:~50€ pp w/ wine

Talking about limited menu choices, nothing beats the next restaurant I'm about to offer my two cents' worth on. Another extremely small place, only that this has 2 Michelin stars to its name. I first came across it in the Luxe city guide. Again, as you should have guessed by now, reservations at these sort of places ain't no easy feat. However you only need to obey the golden rule of finding out the exact day & time their phone line opens for reservations. Once done, get your phone ready and call in immediately when it opens. You can almost always get a confirmed reservation. Note that bookings are meant for any day in the following month. Any other dates can be deemed nearly impossible.

Only one fixed 85€ menu available for dinner. Zero choices except that you can state your allergies & some dislikes and whether to go with tea-pairing for an additional 20€. I wasn't prepared to pay so much for tea! Wine's still the safe choice. There's a 50€ lunch option on weekdays I think. Was quite excited as this is one rare Michelin-starred restaurant that features asian/fusion-oriented food.

I love the fusion element (french+asian) but we left unimpressed because we felt there wasn't anything special. Could be due to the fact that we are so exposed to asian food that each course tasted ordinary, as though any Asian (more like Chinese) chef can whip up the same thing. Brief description of the food featured below: langoustine w/ spicy dried shrimps (hei bi hiam) & egg, foie gras w/ chinese mushrooms, fish w/ wild asparagus. The fusion attempt is very obvious but didn't go too well together. They tasted not bad (albeit ordinary) on their own but foie gras & mushroom in one mouthful just doesn't work for me.

That said, I can understand how it can mean a totally different experience for non-Asians so do not cross this out just yet =) One last thing, Chef Adeline prepares the food according to mood & availability hence don't be surprised to see your neighbours being fed something totally different.