[Paris] Septime

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Septime

Add: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
Tel: 01 43 67 38 29
Hours: 7:30~11pm (closed Sun, Mon, & Sat lunch)
Website: septime-charonne.fr
Price: set menu €55
Visited on: Nov 2012

I already decided that I like Septime before dinner even started. The decor – generous use of natural wood and metal surfaces in combination with warm diffused lighting – is exactly the type I adore, and the charming waiters and waitresses were friendly to just the right degree. Then I took a look at the menu. Carte blanche for €55 – ah, so it’s going to be another one of those dinners where I don’t have to worry about what to order. Perfect.

Running the kitchen is Bertrand Grébaut, who started his culinary career at three-star L’Arpège and subsequently won his own Michelin star as the opening chef at Agapé Substance. His cooking highlights the natural flavors of seasonal, pristine ingredients – a style that has become very popular, even in France where the cuisine is traditionally very heavy.

So what’s included in the carte blanche? Two entrees, two main courses, and one dessert, starting with entree #1: venison tartare with lentils, lentil puree, mustard greens, and mustard mayonnaise.

Entree #2: mussels, squid, squash trimmings, and squash puree.

Main course #1: scallops, brussel sprouts, cabbage, water cress, in scallop juice.

Main course #2: hen, radish, carrots.

Dessert: lemon curd, meringue, cottage cheese honey sorbet, whipped cream, crumble.

After already having been to a number of nouvelle cuisine restaurants, Septime’s dishes weren’t exceedingly different, but it was a very pleasant and smoothly-executed meal. A great place to go back to, if only the reservation were easier to score! Book many weeks in advance.