Penati Al Baretto : & L’Initial Restaurant, Da Rosa at Le Sofitel

Italian born Chef Alberico Penati has worn the whites at Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Grand Hotel Rimini, The Excelsior Venice.  He’s cooked for the great and the good, worked in private houses worldwide and was chief consultant on Flavio Briatore’s Sardinian Billionaire venture on the Costa Smeralda. Add Paris’ Michelin starred Le Carpaccio at the Royal Monceau, Harry’s Bar,  Annabel’s and Aspinal’s Casino, London and the very exclusive 5 Hertford Street,  Mayfair, a favourite with the British Royals. “When I had the opportunity to set up my own restaurant in Paris, I didn’t hesitate”, said Alberico Penati, a slim friendly man, wearing purple “whites” and lots of arm candy, one day this week. “London’s restaurant scene is more based on who’s in your restaurant than what’s on your plate”, he says. The concept behind Alberico Penati’s new venture is: “Using the produce of today to recreate the exciting flavours of the past”. Penati is adamant that much of today’s produce is not as flavoursome as it once was. “As a chef I have to work hard to recreate traditional tastes that would have been served up on the tables of my Italian famiglia”. Chez Penati al Baretto there’s a new spin on textures and tastes, as well as elegant neo-retro décor with silver framed photographs of Italian movie stars on the walls. The welcome’s as warm as a sunny day on Sardinia: nice touch, 35-month Parmesan scooped from a huge wheel, olive oil, warm breads, tapenade de ricotta: salmon rillettes come to table with the menu and wine card: a tour of Italy from Prosecco Superior via white Falanghina 34€, red Castello d’Ama 38€ and some well chosen French labels. Begin with, say, “Cappon magro tipico Genovese” seafood salad, a taste of the Mediterranean on rue Balzac. Beef carpaccio: Warm crab, chickpeas “Garfaganana” olive oil from Lake Garda: Tuna and anchoy tartare: Mains include perfect home-made Pastas and Risotti: Spaghetti di “Verrigni” with fresh baby sardines. Dish of the day could be: Côtes d’Agneau, vegetables and mint. Ossobuco alla Milanese, purée de pommes de terre: A tranche of roasted cod, Ombria lentilles, salsa verde. And chefs spin on Italian desserts, served with warm biscotti, chocolate beans. E ‘Tutto Delizioso. Baretto al Penati Ristorante & Bar, Hotel de Vigny 9-11 rue Balzac, 8th M : George V/Charles de Gaulle Etoile T : 0 1 42 99 80 80 Shut Sat lunch – Sunday Lunch formula Mon-Fri 39-45€ Average Spend A La Carte – 69€ + wine     L’Initial Restaurant : Pudlo likes L’Initial, and the newly transformed Sofitel Arc-de-Triomphe, so much he launched his Guide right there. « Chef Bruno Thomas’ dishes, include low calorie choices such as, Bouillon infusé et bonite sechée, champignons de Paris (100 calories) followed by Lotte de Bretagne, fennel « en mousseline », rôti et en salade, sauce vierge tomate estragon (200 calories) are perfect for travellers, businessmen or the ladies who lunch », he says. Tables are well spaced and decor by Studio Putman is light, bright and relaxing », he adds.  « Of course, order the frits maison, choose home baked breads, cheeses by Dominique Fabre and chez Quatrehomme. And, en dessert ? The wagon rolls in and is irresistible !  Go For It » ! Advises Pudlo. And, if you can’t bear to leave :   Get a Room : There’s 124 including 31 suites, with luminotherapy (I don’t know either, but it’s good for you!) hammans, perfumed candles by Rami Mekdachi, huge sexy bath tubs, Hermes products, wi-fi, Bose sound systems lovely MY-BEDS.  Burn calories in Le SoFit techno gym. You may never leave ! From 350€-2,500€. L’Initial Restaurant & Bar Da Rosa, Sofitel Paris-Arc de Triomphe 2 rue Bertie Albrecht, 8th M : Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile, T : 01 53 89 50 53 Lunch Menu Ephemere 39-45€ A La Carte Lunch & Dinner Average Spend 60€ + wine Shut Sat-Sun Valet Parking