Terrific Terraces to Enjoy Springtime in Paris

23 April 2018 by Margaret Kemp    1499  
Terrific Terraces to Enjoy Springtime in Paris
Margaret Kemp
By Margaret Kemp
It’s the season for sunning on restaurant terrasses in Paris. From a rooftop perch to a garden oasis, here’s a selection of favorite addresses in the French capital. “Something about glamour interested me. All my schoolbooks had drawings of women on terraces with a cocktail and a cigarette.” –Bill Blass M.O.B Stands for “Maimonides of Brooklyn,” this is a hip and happening hotel concept by philosopher Cyril Aouizerate and his team. Why wouldn’t you come here as often as possible? Located on the edge of the iconic Saint-Ouen Flea Market, the former Electrolux factory is now a hotel/restaurant/terrace – with stunning design by Kristian Gavoille and Valerie Garcia. There’s an outdoor cinema, baby foot, boutique, library– ticking all the boxes for a fabulous stay, either overnight (from €79 even with 5 people in the room!) or to eat, drink and be merry in a unique atmosphere. Check the website for concerts, “le after work” and on Sunday – Brunchez-vous (€30 with drinks – children €15) or order from the food truck– garnish the best pizzas (all organic) in town with herbs from the potager. “Just make yourself at home,” insists Aouizerate. Meanwhile, downstairs, philosophy lectures are broadcast non-stop in the restaurant toilets!  If you’re in Lyon, the Philippe Starck designed M.O.B is now open and, if you’re in Pittsburgh, Washington DC and LA Chinatown check them out. “The spirit of Mob Hotel is reflected in the identities of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Mob Hotels is a movement, not a marketing concept”, adds the delightful Aouizerate.  4-6 rue Gambetta, 93400, Saint-Ouen. Metro: Garibaldi. Tel: +33 (0)1 47 00 70 70. Website: https://www.mobhotel.com/en/ Restaurant Maison Blanche The Donald would appreciate this splendid contemporary glass and steel structure, perched above the handsome Théâtre des Champs Elysées. The decor’s by Imaad Rahmouni – a disciple of Starck – and the theatre- designed by architect Auguste Perret- celebrated its centennial in 2013. Melania would definitely approve of the elegant Montaigne Terrace with the Eiffel Tower nearby, and the Seine flowing beneath. Not certain if chef Fabrice Giraud sends out hamburgers – but maybe the Trumps would like Jerusalem artichoke soup, studded with black truffles; Black Angus Beef (for him), Carpaccio of wild sea bass (for Melania), followed by pastry chef Paul Donore’s secret recipe chocolate cake. They’ll choose from 380 wine references. Tasting Menu costs €95-€125, Lunch €49-59, and the Gourmet Menu is €72, A La Carte about €104 + wine. 15 avenue Montaigne, 8th. Metro: Alma-Marceau, Tel: +33 (0)1 47 23 55 99. Read the Bonjour Paris review of Maison Blanche here. Website: www.maison-blanche.fr.  “National on Top”: Hotel National des Arts et Metiers Located opposite the Centre National des Arts & Métiers, the new Hôtel National des Arts & Métiers is strategically located at the crossroads of the Montorgueil and Haut Marais districts. Italian industrial chic décor’s by Raphael Navot throughout the 70, all different, rooms (from €188). Head up on the roof, but book ahead, for an incredible choice of hip and happening cocktails, say, bespoke brands of gin and tonic (€18) and cocktails (from €15-€20) plus popcorn and truffle oil snacks. Open from 17-23hrs. 243 rue Saint-Martin, 3rd. Metro: Arts et Metiers. Tel: +33 (0)1 80 97 22 80. Website: https://www.hotelnational.paris/en/ Chalet des Îles Located on an isle in the Bois de Boulogne, accessed by private ferry in less than two minutes – no passports required – Chalet des Iles was built as a gift from Napoleon III to Empress Eugénie. When it became a restaurant, Proust and Zola were frequent guests. Renovated after a fire in 2011, architects Bruno Borrione and Caroline Lory preserved the Ralph Lauren style hunting lodge vibe. Inside, club atmosphere – outside, airy “toes in the water” attitude, flower and herb terraces wrap themselves around the lake – the perfect Sunday Brunch spot.  14 Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Inférieur, 16th. Metro: Porte Maillot, Tel: +33 (0)1 42 88 04 69. Website: www.chalet-des-iles.com/en Homer Lobster A space (near the Pompidou Center) showcasing New England Lobster Rolls with a tiny terrace. Yummy toasted brioche sandwiches stuffed with chopped Saint-Malo lobster  drizzled with house made mayo or avocado and lime. “It’s street food, version palace”, says young talent Moïse Sfez (graduate of Ecole Vatel, Paris who worked with Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Le Meurice). Sfez discovered his niche brand while in the USA – when he returned he was a sell-out success at BHV Marais Food Court. Choose Le Classique or Le Connecticut (from €17-€22); sides from €3 include wasabi or truffle chips, wakamé salad – and how about a PBJ (peanut and jelly sandwich €5) while you wait – or for dessert? Drink house lemonade or Bud. 21 rue Rambuteau, 3rd. Metro: Rambuteau. No telephone. Open 7/7 from 12 noon-11pm. Eat in / to go/ delivery possible. Website: https://www.homerlobster.com Brasserie Le Sancerre
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Lead photo credit : Brasserie Le Sancerre

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By Margaret Kemp

Born in Hampton, Middlesex, UK, Margaret Kemp is a lifestyle journalist, based between London, Paris and the world. Intensive cookery courses at The Cordon Bleu, London, a wedding gift from a very astute ex-husband, gave her the base that would take her travelling (leaving the astute one behind) in search of rare food and wine experiences, such as the vineyards of Thailand, 'gator hunting in South Florida, learning to make eye-watering spicy food in Kerala;pasta making in a tiny Tuscany trattoria. She has contributed to The Guardian, The Financial Times Weekend and FT. How To Spend It.com, The Spectator, Condé Nast Traveller, Food & Travel, and Luxos Magazine. She also advises as consultant to luxury hotels and restaurants. Over the years, Kemp has amassed a faithful following on BonjourParis. If she were a dish she'd be Alain Passard's Millefeuille “Caprice d'Enfant”, as a painting: Manet’s Dejeuner sur l’herbe !