Between inspired chefs taking over restaurant kitchens for gourmet residencies and a century-old Parisian institution celebrating its 100th anniversary, Paris is the stage for particularly exciting ephemeral menus. Here are the top three that delighted us the most.
LA MERCERIE AT LA TABLE DE LA GRANDE ÉPICERIE
What's Happening: There's a breeze from the south at Bon Marché! The chicest department store in Paris is launching a "Tous Fadas" season celebrating Marseille’s sunny vibes. La Table restaurant, under its beautiful glass roof on the first floor, is hosting the team from La Mercerie until the end of June. The promise? A top-notch Provençal lunch orchestrated by chef Harry Cummins in collaboration with La Table’s chef Cédric Erimée, and sommelier Laura Vidal curating an exciting wine selection.
Menu Highlights: Artichokes and baby onions in a delicate amontillado broth, adorable grilled baby zucchinis with tonnato sauce, homemade tagliolini with fennel, red pepper, and bottarga, steamed sea bass with early coco beans, cherry tomatoes, and herbs from La Grande Épicerie’s rooftop. For dessert, try the kalamansi and limoncello baba with Madagascar vanilla whipped cream (a delight even if you’re not a baba fan) or a refreshing rhubarb compote and sorbet with strawberries, tonka bean biscuits, and fresh cream.
Details: Harry Cummins at La Table de La Grande Épicerie de Paris, 38 rue de Sèvres, Paris 7th, from June 11 to 30. Starter-Main-Dessert: €38. Starter-Main or Main-Dessert: €35.
POISSONNERIE VIOT X MASAYOSHI HARAGUCHI
What's Happening: Our favorite fish market in Paris transforms into an Omakase and Izakaya for the summer. Until August 15, Poissonnerie Viot welcomes Japanese chef Masayoshi Haraguchi to showcase his aged fish with Japanese flavors. Act fast: seats fill up quickly!
Menu Highlights: For an intimate gastro ambiance at the counter, Masayoshi Haraguchi offers a 9-course Omakase menu (€80) based on the chef's whims and the day’s catch, featuring dishes like a generous spider crab with a French toast-style croissant, ultra-fresh Ikejime yellowtail, and spring rolls with eel and asparagus. On the terrace, enjoy a relaxed Izakaya vibe with decadent tapas. Don’t miss the monkfish karaage with wasabi mayo (a must-try, €18) and the charcoal-smoked toro simply enhanced with olive oil (€28).
Details: Poissonnerie Viot X Masayoshi Haraguchi, until August 15 at Saint-Germain Market, 6 rue Lobineau, Paris 6th. Omakase menu Tuesday to Thursday at 6 PM and 9 PM. Limited seats. Online reservation required. Izakaya Friday and Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. No reservation needed.
PRUNIER'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY MENU
What's Happening: The esteemed Prunier caviar house celebrates its centennial in 2024. To mark the occasion, their legendary restaurant on Avenue Victor Hugo offers a dedicated menu (€190) featuring iconic dishes, crafted by restaurant chef Hendry Angwe Mezah, Yannick Alléno (who has curated the menu since 2022), and his mentor Gabriel Biscay, who led the restaurant in the 1990s. It’s all about tradition!
Menu Highlights: Emerald or Tarbouriech oysters, Christian Dior Egg with caviar quenelle and fine ham jelly (a Parisian legend), Prunier sole fillet with rich caviar sauce, and roasted vendangeur red mullet with kokotxa sauce. For dessert, follow chef Alléno’s lead and enjoy the Rothschild soufflé with candied orange by plunging your ice cream directly inside.
Details: Centennial menu available from June to December at Prunier by Yannick Alléno, 16 avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16th.
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