Luxurious, bewitching, inspiring, spell-binding… Our selection of addresses is aimed at pleasure and ideas ! From absolute essentials to wonderful surprises, new experiences to enjoy and share.
An iconic address on the Côte d’Azur run by Pépino Mammoliti, darling of the stars and Pope of pasta, Le Michelangelo has taken the capital by storm. After New York this winter, Mamo has arrived in Paris with his smartly decked out tables, exposed stone walls, painted ceiling beams and legendary photos ! On the menu, signature dishes from essential “antipasti” to “linguine” with shellfish, and the same good humour recalling the South. Mamo, 2 rue La Pérouse, Paris 16 (01 42 89 64 75).
With its imperial columns, mosaic floors, palm-trees and magnificent grand piano, this little world apart sets the mood for the most delectable summer evenings. Elegance reflected in dishes based on sunny recipes signed Eric Fréchon and Stéphane d’Aboville, waiting to treat gourmets to enticing delicacies. A truly enchanting experience. Mini Palais, 3 avenue Winston Churchill, Paris 8 (01 42 56 42 42).
With the arrival of fine weather, the famous Angelina proposes its widely acclaimed hot chocolate called “L’Africain” in a chilled version ! The coolness of smooth chocolate served in a generous glass, revealing all the savour of cocoa with a blob of exquisite cream for unrepentant fans of Chantilly ! Angelina, 226 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1 (www.angelina-paris.fr).
Unveiled in July in the Fontvieille neighbourhood in Monaco, Moshi Moshi is a smart sushi bar whose impeccable decor is signed by Monaco architects Humbert & Poyet. Chef Toshimi Takiya proposes delicacies from both Japan and the Mediterranean, including classics of Nippon cuisine such as sushi, sashimi, bento and Veggie boxes. As for desserts, try the Yuzu meringue pie or Matcha eclair. Irresistible ! 32 quai Jean-Charles Rey, Monaco (00 377 93 25 43 43).
Joining the 27 existing rooms, eight have been created, including two superb suites, in a new wing offering a view of the little Port du Croûton at the entrance to Cap d’Antibes. Benefiting from its own jacuzzi, the largest suite can be linked to the one next door, giving a floor area of 130 m2 overlooking the sea. With its two restaurants, wellness centre and lovely sandy beach, the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel is a casual-chic address. 10 bd Maréchal Juin, Cap d’Antibes (04 92 93 13 30).
Richard Geoffroy, cellar master for Dom Pérignon champagne, has chosen La Vigie in the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel in which to reveal its exceptional P2 1998 vintage. After 16 years in the cellars, this precious millésime is being proposed exclusively in this luxury establishment which has decked out its terrace in Dom Pérignon colours for the occasion, and until September 4th. Monte-Carlo Beach Hôtel, Avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune Cap-Martin (04 93 28 66 66).
La Flibuste is a top-notch address whose name is whispered like a well-guarded secret within a circle of esthetic gourmets. Proud of its third "fork" in the Michelin Guide, this gastronomic establishment headed by master restaurant-owner Roger Martins proposes a cuisine celebrating the daily catch : sea bass, John Dory, royal seabream, turbot... Served as per the rules of the art. Port Marina Baie des Anges, Villeneuve-Loubet (04 93 20 59 02).
On the 7th floor of the BHV department store, this wooden deck terrace of 250 m2 in colonial style surrounded by palm-trees offers real escapism. An exotic ambiance in chic tropical mode, where one snacks on delicacies from the new summer menu (guacamole, nachos, mini-pizza…) while sipping a “Link me up Scotty”, a very cool cocktail blending lemon and mandarine with a splash of gin. All to be relished while admiring the Seine, the Panthéon and Eiffel Tower : sheer magic ! Jusqu’au 1er octobre. Le Perchoir Marais, 37 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4.
With its pretty and rather mischievous name, this new restaurant succeeding “Le Saut du Loup” is a very classy address. “Loulou” already enjoys an idyllic location : the gardens of the Palais du Louvre, opening out to the most iconic monuments in the capital. Sophisticated and subtle decor signed Joseph Dirand (Monsieur Bleu). And finally, the food : sun-blessed cuisine orchestrated by Benoit Dargère and Italian chef Diego Compagno, who propose dishes from the French and Italian Rivieras, tasty and beautifully presented. Loulou, 107 rue des Rivoli, Paris 1 (01 42 60 41 96).
A talented pastry-chef who has worked in leading palatial hotels in Paris (Burgundy, Park Hyatt, Princes de Galles), Yann Couvreur is treating us to a pastry-shop bearing his name. In premises of discreet elegance, designed by Philippe Di Méo, you will discover refined and inventive pastries to which he holds the key : millefeuille with Madagascar vanilla, rectangular eclairs in bold flavours (coffee-aniseed), lime tart, Saint Honoré with raspberries and mint, and a multitude of dazzling creations with seasonal fruit. Pâtisserie de Yann Couvreur, 137 avenue Parmentier, Paris 10 (www.yanncouvreur.com).
After closing for several months, the Fish Club has unveiled a new menu and new decor designed by Dorothée Meilichzon. At the helm, chef Julien Burlat, previously of Gagnaire and Ducasse, who enchants Parisian palates with elegant cuisine giving precedence to the bounty of the North Sea. Guests surf through a choice of essential seafood platters, shrimp “croquettes”, lobster “à la plancha”, grilled octopus from northern Spain... Le Fish Club, 58 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris 1 (01 40 26 68 75).
The Ferme-Auberge du Château Mentone in the Var has just reopened its doors, presenting its new identity signed by the prestigious firm of architects, Wilmotte & Associés. The restaurant menu revolves around the vineyard’s wines which complement dishes based on organic ingredients, mostly produced on the estate. A retail cellar, outdoor bar, “pétanque” terrain, and a garden full of fragrances complete this rather secret address. Château Mentone, Saint-Antonin-du-Var (04 94 04 42 00).
Until August 16th, the Méridien Hotels in Nice and Monaco are holding open-air cinema evenings. All filmed on the French Riviera, great classics of the 7th Art will enchant hoidaymakers comfortably installed in large inflatable armchairs. Five signature cocktails inspired by each movie have been specially concocted for the occasion. Le Méridien, Nice (04 93 07 40 37), Monaco (00 377 93 15 78 88).
Ferrari has set up an ephemeral restaurant at Le Sporting de Monte-Carlo. Open until October, this top-notch address overlooks the gardens of Le Jimmy’z. Borrowing the colour codes of the Prancing Horse, the decor in red, white and black blends harmoniously with the cuisine of chef Rocco Seminara, giving pride of place to Italian dishes. Sporting de Monte-Carlo, avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 98 06 86 86).
Renovated throughout, this former palace built in the “Belle Epoque” faces the sea in the middle of the Promenade du Soleil in Menton. With views of the sea or park, its 92 rooms offer modern comfort with decor recalling the Riviera’s hours of glory when the lucky few danced the foxtrot and charleston in the ballroom. Royal Westminster, 28, avenue Félix Faure, Menton (04 93 28 69 69)
Behind the deep blue frontage, 150 m2 await you dotted with oak bistro tables and benchseats clad in camel-coloured leather... Such is the new backcloth for star-rated chef Christophe Saintagne, a talented former pupil of Alain Ducasse (Plaza Athénée, Meurice), who has taken the leap of launching his own luxury bistro. In sincere, transparent cuisine, this 38 year-old chef from Normandy targets clear tastes and uncontrived flavours in dishes that are perfectly executed : “The simplest cooking for the very best food”. Papillon, 8 rue Meissonier, Paris 17 (01 56 79 81 88).
Rewarded by 3 stars in the Michelin Guide, five toques and a score of 19 out of 20 from Gault et Millau, La Vague d’Or, the restaurant at La Résidence de la Pinède in Saint-Tropez, invites guests to a fabulous culinary experience between land and sea. The creative genius of Chef Arnaud Donckele and pastry-chef Guillaume Godin guarantees high-flying cuisine, spectacular presentation, and carefully selected wines from here and elsewhere. Last but not least, the terrace with its parasol pines offers a dazzling view of the sea. La Vague d’Or, Résidence de la Pinède, plage de la Bouillabaisse, Saint-Tropez (04 94 55 91 00).
Inaugurated in 2010 by 2-star Chef Bruno Oger, the Villa Archange has just become a member of “Relais & Châteaux”. This authentic 18th-C. Provençal building restored as per the rules of the art offers an enchanting setting for lunch or dinner in the courtyard, in the shade of age-old trees. As for the dishes, the Chef revamps Mediterranean classics with pertinent touches of flair, such as artichoke salad with a lettuce and white onion sauce, line-caught sea-bass with lemongrass. La Villa Archange, rue de l’Ouest, Le Cannet (04 92 18 18 28).
A favourite source of expression, cereals have always been the baseline for Gontran Cherrier’s bakery creations. This spring, the wonder-boy of the media sets a new spin on classics of French pastry-making by adding flakes of oats, linseed, rye and nigella. The result ? Red-berry tarts, vanilla pies, lime tarts, vanilla millefeuilles and an exotic “dôme” lead us straight to the heady and irresistible path of “ la gourmandise” ! Boulangeries Gontran Cherrier, 22 rue Caulaincourt, Paris 18 et 8 rue Juliette Lambert, Paris 17 (www.gontrancherrierboulanger.com).
Departing from the towns of Cannes, Paris and Bordeaux, the Orient Express resumes the Fine Art of Travel with 63 exceptional dinners dreamt up by multi star-rated chef Yannick Alléno working as a duo with pastry chef Yann Couvreur. Offering real enchantment, this very special 3-hour escapade is a real privilege, allowing guests to taste the poetic nostalgia of transport of yesteryear and delicate cuisine admirably spiked with marked flavours. Immersion into the luxury of the 1920’s, rolling along to the rhythm of the locomotive, and appreciating a succession of landscapes and dishes ! Menus : 530 €. From June 1st to July 16th. La Table Orient Express, Gare de l’Est, Paris 10. Réservations en ligne sur www.orient-express.com
