Coming from a lineage of French restaurateurs and hailing from Beaune in Burgundy, France, Mathieu Escoffier is director and chef of MICHELIN-Starred Ma Cuisine along Craig Road. A wonderland for oenophiles, Ma Cuisine serves classic French sharing plates such as Escargots de Bourgogne, Foie Gras de Canard, and Paté en Croûte; as well as seasonal specials and a carte blanche menu.
Today, Escoffier brings us through some of his favourite Parisian experiences, with a particular attention to wines.
Photos: Caves Legrand and La Cagouille (L-R)
For spectacular wines and memorable small bites: Caves Legrand and La Cagouille
"The Legrand cellars, founded in 1880 and nestled in the picturesque Galerie Vivienne, was revitalised by Arnaud Tronche (formerly of Racines NYC) and offers an unprecedented wine program. From exceptional Ganevat cuvées to grand cru selections from Bizot, each glass is accompanied by carefully selected bites.
There is also La Cagouille, near the Montparnasse station. Whether at the bar or at a table, ordering a bottle of Raveneau and some cockles cooked in butter and white wine, along with some razor clams, makes for a truly delightful experience."
Cave Legrand Paris is located at 1 rue de la Banque, 75002, Paris
La Cagouille is located at 10 place Constantin-Brancusi, 75014 Paris
Escoffier (left) at Le Baratin with owner Raquel Carena (centre) and friend Aj Jami (right)
For a taste of classic French cuisine: Le Baratin
"Le Baratin, located at the 20th arrondissement, along the winding streets of Belleville, offers the most sincere and authentic French and Parisian experience. Led by husband-and-wife duo, Philippe (Pinouche) Pinoteau and Raquel Carena, Le Baratin curates a precise wine selection. Every dish on the daily menu is a celebration of tradition and flavour. I personally like to indulge in all the daily specials, accompanied by a carafe of Selosse, transporting myself to a timeless experience."
Le Baratin is located at 3 rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020 Paris
The Saint-Germain covered market (Photo: Shutterstock)
For procuring the best produce: Marché couvert de Saint-Germain
"The covered market of St. Germain des Prés, a historical monument transformed into a food market by Napoleon, gathers everything you need to concoct any meal of your liking."
Marché couvert de Saint-Germain is located at 4-6 rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris
L-R: Jardin du Palais Royal & The Louvre (Photo: Shutterstock)
For a lazy, afternoon stroll: Jardin du Palais Royal
"At the Jardin du Palais Royal, where one can imagine walking in the shoes of King Louis XIV as a child, one can immediately feel the energy and history of the French capital, while being hidden in a peaceful moment."
The Jardin du Palais Royal is located at 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
For a slice of arts and culture: The Louvre
"This former royal residence is a magical and endless museum to visit throughout one's life in Paris. It takes about a hundred days to explore all the works present, with art dating back to 1846, housed in breathtaking architecture."
The Louvre is located at 75001 Paris
Photos: Sain Boulangerie (L) & Fromagerie Quatrehomme (R)
Go-to place for bread: Sain Boulangerie
"With 1400 bakeries in Paris, the choice is vast, but for me, Sain stands out. This boulangerie's offerings showcase the use of natural sourdough, ancient wheat, and natural leavening, making digestion easier."
Sain Boulangerie has shops at 13 Rue Alibert, 75010 Paris and at 23 rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris
Go-to place for cheese (to accompany the bread): Quatrehomme
"Marie Quatrehomme, of Fromagerie Quatrehomme, is the undisputed queen of cheese, being a fourth-generation family-owned firm that started in 1953, with shops across town. They can even vacuum-pack your selection if you’re travelling. Don’t miss the coveted chèvres (goats cheese)."
Fromagerie Quatrehomme has multiple shops across Paris
Photos: Imperial Treasure (L) & Brasserie Lipp (R)
For Asian food: Imperial Treasure
"The portions here are ideal for sharing, and I personally order the dim sum and Peking duck. Located just steps from the Champs Élysées, Imperial Treasure is an institution, maintains high standards, and comes with an excellent wine selection."
Imperial Treasure is located at 44 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris
For an "overrated" touristy place that's actually good: Brasserie Lipp
"Brasserie Lipp, since 1880, is a perfect spot for capturing the very essence of Paris, with an unparalleled soul that has welcomed both political and artistic celebrities. Ordering simple dishes to share, while reminiscing about the times Jean-Paul Belmondo or Kate Moss sat in your seat, guarantees an emotional experience in the midst of this brasserie's organised chaos. Here's a tip: ask to be seated in the 'paradis'."
Brasserie Lipp is located at 151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Photo: Le Pavillon De La Reine
For an authentic Parisian stay: Le Pavillon De La Reine
"Le Pavillon De La Reine, hidden in the charming Place des Vosges, offers irresistible charm and a luxurious experience. A true hidden gem."
Le Pavillon De La Reine has One MICHELIN Key is located at 28 place des Vosges, Paris, France, 3rd Arr. (Le Marais). Book your stay here.
Escoffier and friends at two-MICHELIN-Starred and MICHELIN Green Star restaurant, Table - Bruno Verjus
Place to eat in Paris: Table - Bruno Verjus
"Before catching my flight, I always make a solo trip to Table - Bruno Verjus and order three dishes from the à la carte menu with a fine bottle of wine. A poetic interlude that emphasises minute cuisine, reminiscent of Alain Passard's style, where the opening of a scallop, a huge langoustine, or a sea urchin can instantly elevate a royal hare. The service and kitchen teams harmonise their respective crafts perfectly, and their passion is matched only by the guidance of their mastermind, the self-taught Bruno Verjus himself."
Table - Bruno Verjus is located at 3 rue de Prague, 75012 Paris
Outside the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur during sunrise (Photo: Shutterstock)
Unmissable Parisian activity: The Sacré Cœur at Sunrise
"An absolute must for visitors coming to Paris is to run to Montmartre before sunrise, sit on the steps of the Sacré Cœur, and watch Paris wake up gradually from this elevated spot. Always sensational."
