La dame de Pic (*), close to the Louvre, is a delightful, fragrant and elegant experience. With personal attention and ‘room’ for the single-dining guest. The feminine touch of chef Pic is omnipresent. In the décor, and attention to detail. Making me dream of one day visiting Maison Pic in Valence.

*Paris in spring is always a good idea!*

One of the best value for money Michelin experiences in Paris I had in a long time. And yes, 50% of the kitchen brigade was…….. female. That is also an important element of sustainable gastronomy.

The concept

Anne-Sophie Pic is one of the most highly decorated French chefs is . Her grandfather received high Michelin recognition and so did her father. Pic took over the restaurant in Valence, received three Stars and created an international group of restaurants. Most of them receiving 1 or 2 Michelin stars. What is stated on the website is completely true: at La Dame de Pic Paris, Anne-Sophie Pic showcases her sensitive cuisine, characterized by a balance of flavor combinations, powerful tastes and delicate expression. In its setting just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, discover a lovely aromatic walk entitled Rhône en Scène.

*The famous berlingots with the coffee pairing*

Het menu

There is a set menu and you can choose whether you want 3,4,5,6 or 7 courses. All dishes are created as a beautiful stage for seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and fruits. In some dishes meat or cheese is used as a complement. Even though a fully vegan menu is not possible, the chef created a fanastic plantforward (aka vegetarian) experience. With imaginative use of foraging flavours like: tagete, woodruff and pine. Ms Pic loves coaxing and taming harsher flavours, such as bitter, acidic, roasted, and smoked into an elegant and memorable feast.

Of course always on the menu: Berlingots, named after the pyramid-shaped candies from France, are small, triangular pasta parcels. They are typically filled with a creamy cheese mixture and served in a flavourful broth. Mine came with stuffed morilles and a flavourful mushroom broth. Price May 2024: 4 course menu: 95 euro. Non-alcoholic pairing: 40 euro, alcoholic pairing: 55 euro.

Tip

Ask for the non-alcoholic pairing. Where 99% of French waiters will look at you like you are a lunatic, the sommeliers create a very imaginative ‘accord’, which truly complements and lifts the dishes. For instance the coffee that was served with the berlingots was a delightful surprise.