Antoine : Mini-Palais & Hôtel du Ministère

Antoine Lyon born Thibaut Sombardier (ex-Marc Meneau, Le Meurice & Carré des Feuillants with Alain Dutournier) is now at the pianos of this Michelin starred canteen with achingly romantic views of the Eiffel Tower, definitely a 3-Birkin addy, which Time Out dubs, “a shrine to the sea”. Sombardier uses only freshest fish and seafood, which arrive direct from the ports of Brittany, Spain and the Med, transforms his catch into, say, Maquereu de ligne de Saint-Jean-de-Luz en pétales mariné, tucked inside a pain souffle à la moutarde. Stick your fork in and whoosh, wow, wonderful. Memories of a childhood visit with his father to Paul Bocuse, Lyon, influenced Sombardier’s career path. he loves cooking and the theatre of the kitchen. Crab and langoustine, flash fried, matched with a froth of citron/melisse, quenelle of avocado and Granny Smith apples. Bouillabisse or fish soup, revised and corrected by Sombardier, who’s enjoying every moment of the service from his open kitchen, he says it’s a “travail d’equipe”. Mains include Aile de Raie poélée à la Grenobloise, cocotte de purée de Rattes de Touquet.  Homard Bleu faҫon Rossini, foie gras, truffes noires. Blanc de Saint-Pierre et truffe noire en papilotte, jus de Coques et Liveche. It all depends on the catch, the season and Sombardier’s cuisine d’instinct. Chic contemporary desserts by Louis Tocheport. Ask for Table No. 9, best view of the Iron Lady. 10 Avenue de New-York, 16th T: + 33 1 40 70 19 28 Lunch: 35€ Menu Decouverte 78€ Degustation Marine 120€ + A La Carte Open 7/7 Valet Parking Mini-Palais Eric Frechon’s concept continues to evolve and Mini-Palais is one of the most delicious and flexible addys in town. Eat at any time of the day, in between events at Grand Palais, or shopping on the Triangle d’Or. Pop in for cocktail creations by mixologist Alexandre Chialva, just say, Wineberry (Saint-Emilion, Chambord, Cranberry Juice, lime) or Virgin Mini-Palais (without alcohol). “We came last night and loved it so much we are back tonight”, said Vanessa and Flavien. “And we’ve brought the family”. Stay on for dinner, the menu’s exciting and seasonal. Worth it for the mile high just out of the oven gougère at the beginning, the giant baba au rhum to finish. And, in between, Ashton’ll adore Le Burger de Magret et foie gras de canard jus truffé. Veggie options for the ladies who do, and an excellent wine card. 3 avenue Winston Churchill, 8th M: Champs Elysee Clemenceau, T: 01 42 56 42 42 Open 7/7 from 10am – midnight + Get a room: A stone’s throw from www.eglise-lamadeleine.com and Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Hôtel du Ministère, decorated by designer François Champsaur, http://www.champsaur.com/en/ The 24 rooms, each different, have space wholly or partly connected to the bathroom “cabin”. With each room you’ll get breakfast, minibar with soft drinks, unlimited wifi internet access and entry to the gym. Room service is available between 5pm and 1:30am. Special offers offered by the Hotel Management include: “Croisière” for lovers to discover Paris during their stay including a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite and a cruise on the Seine. “Escapade Oenologique” to discover and taste natural wines at the Hotel Bar. “Culturelle” offer for art lovers includes a 2-day museum pass as well as a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite. Hôtel du Ministère 31, Rue de Surène, 8th Classic Room (Single) from 220 € Deluxe Room from 320€ Junior Suite from 450€