Par Margaret Kemp
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When I had the opportunity to take over the kitchens at Le Cristal Room Baccarat, I knew they'd made me an offer I could not refuse", says superchef Guy Martin. "
For me Le Grand Vefour and Le Cristal Room are the two most spectacular settings in Paris to showcase my cuisine, I am very excited".
The restaurant is located on the first floor of the handsome 19th century townhouse, formerly home to Marie-Laure, Vicomtesse de Noailles one of the 20th century's most daring and influential patrons of the arts: this was the dining room where she entertained Cocteau, Salvador Dali, Man Ray, Balthus, Bunuel and le tout Paris.
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In the kitchen is my talented lieutenant Thomas L'Herrison, you'll taste extraordinary dishes", promises Guy Martin. "
The menu will be short, changing each month with the seasons, using exciting products for, say, soupe de carottes, herbes. Oeuf poché citron, chair de tourteau aux betteraves, curry et raifort. Souffle au chocolat and L'Herrison's signature dessert, sablé au basilic a la fleur d'oranger, confit de fenouil, sorbet de poivrons rouge".
The cheeky/chic neo-empire décor of the Baccarat Maison has been revised and corrected by Philippe Starck. He kept to the original designs and proportions while giving his signature touches of witty and brilliant design daring. In the dining room Starck stripped the walls back to the red brick, framed them with outsize mirrors. Baccarat crystal is, of course, everywhere, in the elegant private dining room the centre-piece is an extraordinary black chandelier.
Cristal Room, Baccarat
11 Place des Etats-Unis, 16th - T: 01 40 22 11 00
Voir le site Baccarat.
15 mars 2009
