There are more remarkable restaurants in the City of Lights than I could ever cover in this single blog; however, a new eatery opening in one of Paris’ most popular landmarks is a subject I can’t ignore.
The new restaurant takes cuisine to new heights—-410 feet up to be exact–and is being run by one of the world’s most recognized celebrity chefs. Alain Ducasse’s new Jules Verne restaurant located at the top of Paris’ Eiffel Tower is the talk of the town.
Ducasse is known for whipping up meals for passengers on the Concorde jet and astronauts at the international space center, now he’s dealing with new challenges. The 118-year-old iron structure wasn’t designed to accommodate hundreds of diners so there’s no gas cooking (because of safety concerns) and because space is at a premium the food is washed and prepared in an underground kitchen.
So what can you expect if you are ever lucky enough to score reservations at the restaurant that boasts some of the best views in the world?
According to Ducasse, diners will be treated to modern French cuisine at “reasonable prices.” (“Reasonable” is relative. Try about $110 for lunch and $215 for dinner, not including beverages. Of course, how can you put a price tag on the view?) For 215 bucks you will feast on a dinner menu that includes roasted imperial langoustine with sautéed green vegetables and black truffles; pan-seared beef tournedos and fresh duck foie gras with souffled potatoes and Perigueux sauce; as well as lime soufflé, wild strawberry in warm juice and tangy sorbet.
France’s most famous landmark hosted more than 6.5 million visitors last year — and that was without the new eatery. Jules Verne seats up to 120 and takes reservations. (Rumor has it there are still a few seats available if you are interested in dining 400-feet up on Valentine’s Day.)
To get to the restaurant, you need to take a private elevator and once you’re in Jules Verne expect minimal décor. Tan chairs and light-colored tablecloths don’t distract from the setting’s main attraction–the panoramic view of Paris. Herve Descottes, who lit up the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, designed the ceiling lighting, which is crisscrossed by glowing lines that mimic the traffic patterns of Paris. Descottes says the lighting was specifically created so as to not obscure the view of the city at night.
With a setting like that you have to wonder how many marriage proposals Jules Verne will see in 2008.
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