From the moment you step through the door, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and attention to detail. The decor is often elegant and thoughtfully designed. It sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.
The service at these establishments is impeccable. Staff are well-versed in the art of hospitality. They cater to your every need, offering expert wine pairings, explaining the intricacies of each dish, and ensuring your dining experience is seamless and memorable.
The highlight, of course, is the food. Michelin-starred chefs are masters of their craft. They create dishes that are not just delicious but also artistic expressions of culinary innovation. Each course is a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavours, textures, and visual aesthetics. Expect to be surprised, delighted, and even challenged by the culinary creations.
While dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is a splurge, it’s an investment in an exceptional gastronomic journey. The experience is a celebration of food as art, and it leaves a lasting impression, making it an indulgence worth savouring for special occasions and for those who truly appreciate the finest in dining.
What is the Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious and influential restaurant and hotel rating system first established by the French tyre company Michelin in 1900.
The Guide recognises and celebrates culinary excellence worldwide. Restaurants and hotels are anonymously inspected and awarded Michelin stars. Stars range from one to three stars, with three stars signifying exceptional quality and service.
The Guide also provides Bib Gourmand awards for more affordable dining options and includes recommendations for hotels and eateries at various price points.
Michelin stars are highly coveted by chefs and establishments, often leading to increased recognition and business, making the guide a significant authority in the world of fine dining.
A Michelin Review: Restaurant Le Taillevent
In 1380, Le Vianndier was the very first French-language cookbook written by Guillaume Tirel known as Taillevent.
Some centuries later in 1946 the creation of Le Taillevent restaurant was launched by Andre Vrinat, and 75 years later in 2021 the restaurant reopened with a new chef Guiliano Sperandio.
This remarkable Relais Chateaux is a two Michelin starred restaurant. Awarded to only a select few establishments, Michelin stars are iconic amongst the Parisian culinary world. The restaurant is located in the former private mansion of the Duke of Morny. When you walk into this beautifully renovated building you immediately feel very special.
Restaurant Manager Baudoin Arnould greeted us with warm smiles and handshakes. There were large fresh bouquets of flowers. Walking through the restaurant, smaller rooms seem to break off the main hall that leads to the much larger dining space. With tall ceilings, defused modern lighting and walls in wood panelling, our corner table looks so French chic with a crisp white table cloth, a small vase of summer flowers and a gorgeous Baccarat crystal votive flickering away.
Stopping by the kitchen to meet Chef Sperandio you can’t help but be excited about what’s to come.
Head Sommelier Guillaume Dussausoy visits our table and discusses in some detail each wine for each course with his recommendations. The wine list is vast with over 2,500 options from around the world, it is impressive.
The stand out dishes for me, and there were many, was the saddle of lamb with green olives and chanterelle mushroom pie, and the sausage of langoustines, a Taillevent’ tradition. Both were just delicious.
It was however the memorable crepes Suzette that was the winner. Flambeed first with Grand Marnier and then Cognac at our table where flames shot up into the air, dramatic and classic French.
A visit to Paris, at least once in your life time, should include a Relais Chateaux Michelin starred restaurant. Le Traillevent should be on your list.
