Chef François Perret’s madeleines with a molten heart “to die for”. © @Bernhard Winkelmann
At the start of summer, Estrella Maillet and Philippine Freiman are tempted by quality street food that is a little regressive. On the menu: hot dogs, pizza or even madeleines… The Talent Developer duo is rediscovering the pleasure of eating with their fingers!
“They are to die for! “Philippine Freiman talks about the madeleines of the Ritz’s pastry chef, François Perret. Elected “best restaurant pastry chef in the world” in 2019, the Place Vendôme palace entrusted him with the creation of the Ritz Paris Le Comptoir concept. You enter via the rue Cambon, like Coco Chanel once did, and there you will find all the criteria for a successful fancy snack: a refined decor, pastel tones, subdued lighting, a large counter, a long bench, and a few tables to take the time to enjoy the food on the spot. As for the madeleines, one of the chef’s specialties along with his marbled pastry, they have the good taste of being available in chocolate, chestnut honey, caramel, blackberry, or raspberry. In addition, there are delicate sandwiches with puff pastry bread, but also éclair, rum baba, cheesecake, caramel barquette, strawberry tart, and other cookies. Philippine Freiman was less convinced by the “pastry drinks”, which she considered “a little too rich”.
The Maison Plisson kiosk-restaurant
All-wooden furniture for the Petit Plisson kiosk-restaurant in the Tuileries garden © Sortir à Paris
The other favourite of the season for the Talent Developer duo is the Petit Plisson in the Tuileries Gardens. This kiosk-restaurant of Maison Plisson, with its all-wooden furniture, offers great classics, such as the croque-monsieur or the Caesar salad. But what Philippine Freiman and Estrella Maillet love is the hot dog, “especially since the sausage is bigger! “The golden bun is best eaten on the terrace of the kiosk or while strolling in the garden, to enjoy the sunshine and really break away from the office.
Arancini to taste with your fingers at Giorgio. © Sortir à Paris
Sets of grilled asparagus with eggs and clam butter to be eaten with cutlery at Les Foodies © Harupimedia
Duck breast with Peruvian quinoa, morning glory and penang sauce at Les Foodies © Harupimedi
The take-away creation showcase at Comptoir du Ritz Paris. © Bernhard Winkelmann
Finger food to share Giorgio © Sortir à Paris
The flowery and colourful plates of the brand new Giorgio
And then in the evening, what do we do? Where do we dine? Estrella Maillet likes the terraces next to the Edouard VII theatre: an ideal setting for tapas and a glass of wine at the end of the day. As for Philippine Freiman, she recommends the Margherita pizza served on the colourful, flowery plates of the brand new Giorgio, a stone’s throw from the Place de la Bastille. Here too, you can eat everything with your fingers and share it with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to use the toilets either, where the walls are adorned with mirrors or the ceiling with disco balls: the festive spirit spreads to all floors! Finally, the Talent Developer duo recommends the good atmosphere and the Foodies menu. But, at this Italian table in the Marais, it is better to use a knife and fork to avoid getting dirty. Especially if you order the taglioni with clams, the duck breast cannelloni, or other spaghetti chitarra.
Talent Developer’s gourmet tips :
François Perret and his Comptoir du Ritz Paris © Bernhard Winkelmann
Ritz Paris Le Comptoir : 38 rue Cambon, Paris 1st
Petit Plisson : jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1st
Giorgio : 21-23 rue de Charonne, Paris 11th
Les Foodies : 6-8 square Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris 4th