5 minute read
Paris is always a good idea...
When we think of fine dining, we think of France. Paris is synonymous with exceptional cuisine. French food is world-famous for its rich food culture and history. Many of the country's most famous dishes are served worldwide, and its Parisian chefs are some of the most renowned. They came in second in the Global Foodie Index, but it remains on the Foodie bucket list; Le Clarence is a must. Simply put, to experience is to believe.
History and Elegance
Advertisement
In this private mansion in the 8th arrondissement, the finest artistic artisans have created an extra-special touch inherent to private homes by drawing their inspiration from the unique charm of Bordeaux estates. Le Clarence is a dreamy landscape in Paris where history lives and elegance is in every minute detail. And yes, it's a European legacy written all over the place.
A large, stately reception room with a confidential atmosphere, a bar, and three private reception rooms are offered exclusively for customers' use to precede or prolong the moment.
Le Clarence, nestled within an elegant 19th-century private mansion at 31 AvenueFranklin D.Roosevelt, opened in November 2015. It was entirely refurbished and decorated by the finest creative craftsmen, according to the instructions of H R H Prince Robert of Luxemburg, who wished to reproduce in Paris the unique ambiance of Château Haut-Brion. Le Clarence is an elegant, warm, welcoming, and refined restaurant, the image of France's finest terroirs, coordinated with great enthusiasm by a talented team. While the kitchen strives to enhance seasonal produce and reveal the very best of French gastronomy, service in the restaurant ensures it offers guests a moment outside of time in a setting steeped in history. Christophe Pelémanages manages Le Clarence with style: an excellent enterprise that the Michelin guide chose to honor in its 2017 publication by awarding, right away, two stars to this splendid Parisian restaurant.
"2015 marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of our family company, Domaine Clarence Dillon. We are following in the footsteps of the Pontiac family, previous owners of Haut-Brion in the 16th century, and enjoy sharing our concept of wine culture with epicurean aficionados from around the world. In 1666, the Pontacs were perceived as pioneers by opening their tavern, "Pontack's Head" in what would go on to become the City of London. We continue this tradition by allowing visitors to have a great meal, and taste our fine wines... and even buy an outstanding one to taste at home with family or friends, if they so choose, thanks to the Cavedu Château boutique."
HRH Prince Robert de Luxembourg,
Chairman and CEO, Domaine Clarence Dillon.
"Le Clarence offers a series of tasting menus. Lunch options range from three to six courses ( 90€ to 190€ ), while dinner spans from three to seven courses(130€ to 320€). Expect dishes from veal sweet bread and morel gyoza with caviar and squid ink, to fried mochi topped with sea bream, sitting in a shallow pool of Korean-spiked kimchi juice."- The World's 50 Best
"Chef Christophe Pelé has taken over this sumptuous 1884 private mansion enthusiastically and efficiently. It is located near the Champs-Élysées, a district the chef knows well, having worked at Ledoyen, Lasserre, Pierre Gagnaire, and LeBristol. He has indeed found his feet in the kitchen. A true artist combining produce from land and sea, he serves up highly personal cuisine with bold and distinct flavors. It never fails to deliver on what it promises. The "surprise" tasting menu works well with its concept of "satellite" additions to the main dish. The wine list is enough to make your head spin(ask to visit the beautiful vaulted cellar that houses the grand crus) - a memorable experience."- Michelin Guide's POV**
Prestigious wines and those of limited production can be found in the cellar of Le Clarence Restaurant. The wines of Domaine Clarence Dillon are presented fully, as well as the abundance, history, and diversity of the French wine-growing regions. Wine growers and terroirs are highlighted on their list, just as much as artisans of taste and fresh produce are in the kitchen. Over 250 wine growers from France's regions are represented through 1 400 references made possible by the sommelier team that regularly makes new finds and encounters.
LE CLARENCE, THE COOKBOOK
In chef Christophe Pelé's first book, Chihiro Masui breathes in aromas, caresses ingredients, and dissects textures to a point where the readers can taste her description.
Christophe Pelé's recipe book contains some 70 recipes, around 20 of which take the form of a dialogue and exchange with the Chef. Chihiro guides the reader to accompany the Chef on the journey of inspiration that allows each dish to be born and reach the table where the flavors can reach their apex. His creative narrated recipe chronicles come to resemble travel logs.
Chihiro Masui is a food writer. Born in Tokyo. Raised in New York, London, and Paris. She lives in France.
© Le Clarence S.A.S.