Le "Relais de l'Entrecote"

Les Relais de l'Entrecote

15, rue Marbeuf, Paris, France

+33 1 49 52 07 17

Les Relais de l'Entrecote,  is always part of our trips. l'Entrecote founded in Paris, however today it locates not only in Paris but also in different locations with different names: L'Entrecote, Le Relais de Venice and Le Relais de l'Entrecote. The reason is that l'Entrecote is a family business owned by Gineste de Saurs family. Paul Gineste de Saur's son and daughters run the business in different locations. Still, under the different names each one continues the same formula. Restaurant ambiances, dishes, even the waitresses are belong to this formula. Beside the classic look of a French brasserie, the only difference is the paintings. Mural paintings of Venice are seen in Les Relais de Venice in New York, there are twentieth century posters and advertising found the Relais de L'Entrecote in Paris.On the other hand, l'Entrecote has stripes and plaids on the walls.

"How do you want your steak, medium or well done?" is the only question which sweet server dressed in black uniforms, asks. Yes, the only question is that however, French wines  (Paris and Geneva locations have wines from the family's own vineyard) and desserts can be chosen from the menu.

Starter is green salad with walnuts, and the main course is famous steak-frites, which is the Entrecote Steak "Porte Maillot" with its signature sauce. Delicious is not right world to describe the sauce. Sauce is famous because of its magical taste. It is almost impossible to identify ingredients. However, this flavor indubitably enamors itself.

Restaurant does not accept reservations. For this reason we always wait in line. It is better to arrive restaurants 20 or 30 minutes before it opens. The good thing is the line moves pretty fast and it is certainly worth it at the end.

Tea Time at Jardin d'Hiver

Hotel de Crillon, Jardin d'Hiver 

10, Place de la Concorde 75008, Paris, France

+33 (0)1 44 71 15 00

After a tiring trip in Paris, having a break at Jardin d'Hiver in Hotel Crillon -located at Concorde Square- is the best. Hotel Crillon is a enchanting place and Jardin d'Hiver is the charming part of the Hotel. Jardin d'Hiver means Winter Garden. Velvet salon sets, crystal chandeliers, ornamented high ceiling, impressive marble side tables make this place far beyond expectations. Jardin d'Hiver has a glamorous courtyard as well as inside. Since we have been there in a freezing day, we couldn't sit outside. That is a good reason to go there again at our next trip to Paris. 

Jardin d'Hiver has a tranquil atmosphere.  It is a place that you can have a tea, coffee or a small meal. We preferred to go at 5 pm after a busy day in order to relax at teatime. Jardin d'Hiver offers many types of teas, which are not only classics but also special teas with special names with clear descriptions. Our tea choices were Marie Antoinette and Duc de Crillon (Duke of Crillon). Marie Antoniette is black China tea and it has a fine caramel and vanilla aromas. The other one, Duc de Crillon is a blended black tea. It has different types of aromas that are almost impossible to solve if they were not described at the menu.

While we were looking at the menu, a service trolley full of petit desserts took our attention. Then we decided to try these appetizing desserts. They delightfully and sweetly accompanied our teas.

Jardin d'Hiver is the best place to not only relax but to escape from weary and bustle day in Paris. Unfortunately, Hotel Crillon has been closed since March 31, 2013 because of a major renovation. It is expected to reopen on 2015. We are looking forward to reopening of Hotel Crillon, and expecting to revisit that one of the world's oldest luxury hotels again.

Breakfast at "Le Meurice"

Hotel Le Meurice

228 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris, France

+33 (0)1 44 58 10 10

In Paris when it is time to have a noble French style breakfast, a prime one can be had at Hotel Le Meurice. Restaurant Le Meurice has an enchanting ambiance. Huge windows, mirrors, crystal chandeliers, high ornamented ceiling, decorated walls, golds and silvers feels one like in a room of Versailles Palace.

In a peaceful environment, restaurant serves variety of food for breakfast. One of the choices is a hotel classic, a continental breakfast. There is also "Au Buffet" that serves two types miscellaneous buffet breakfast, American or Le Meurice. Champagne by the glass, smoked salmon, dill cream and blinis are served in Le Meurice breakfast additional to American breakfast for who wants to have more sophisticated one. We preferred to have our breakfast from "A la Carte". Our choices were french toast and crepes...

Crepe is served with fresh red fruits with a touch of sugar.

Jams and bakeries plate accompanied our meals. Beside the delicious meals, the best part is to take our teas and coffees with huge silver pots.

French toast is also served with red fruits. Although maple syrup was intensively added, it goes well with fresh fruits. It is highly recommended to maple syrup lovers.

   Breakfast at Le Maurice is a satisfactory experience for who seeks tasteful breakfast in a historical ambiance. Hotel Le Meurice has not only prime breakfast but also prime location. Maybe the greatest part is after the breakfast it can be easily reached to the Louvre Museum or the Place de la Concorde.