Divine by design, Epicure at Hotel Le Bristol, Paris is the brainchild of three Michelin-star chef Eric Frechon. The intense flavors of his traditional French cuisine is further enhanced by the use of seasonally fresh products from the best locally sourced farms in, and around France.
His favorite dishes include seasonal rabbit, smooth Sologne Caviar and a whimsical stuffed macaroni. Most of his delicacies take hours to perfect, and some several days to fully complete. Most French chefs agree that the key to a great dish is to start with exceptional ingredients, and then add the perfect sauce. Chef Frechon couldn’t be more in step with this philosophy, and his three stars prove that this methodology is timeless.
While a very “old school” French chef, he also believes he should keep up to date with many of the trends that are happening in the culinary world. Making available dishes that are gluten-free, or ones that contain less sodium, are necessary tools that chefs catering to global travelers need to have available in their repertoire. Chef Frechon prefers the dishes “as is” but he realizes that his clientele is the most important element of his success, so he has no problems when it becomes necessary to adapt his menu. He is also culturally sensitive to dietary needs, and his menus reflect the desire to incorporate international dishes into the mostly French carte.
Chef Frechon demands that his dishes be plated beautifully, reflecting the elegant dining room décor. Clear bowls with flower petals inside add to the festivity of desserts by his pastry chef Laurent Jeannin. His flair for the dramatic while being infused with his technical skill at molecular gastronomy has earned him high acclaim amongst his peers. My favorite dessert from these sinfully delicious options is Litchis – a snowball shaped meringue perfumed with roses, pear and lemon.
An extensive wine list boasts some of the greatest vintage champagnes, cognacs and wines from around the world, which Frédéric Kaiser, director of Epicure, makes sure is update frequently. For an enhanced dining experience, they serve excellent wines at great values, which pairs with each course.
From beginning to end, the lunch was a divine dining experience. A feast for the eyes and the mouth, Epicure is a must for “foodies” visiting Paris. Cheers! (Note: Although my meal was gratis the opinions, as always, are my own.)
