eat and forget

So , I am in Paris. I had a dinner at “Le Relais Plaza” bistrot at Plaza Athenee hotel.

Big “surprise”.

First but not the least was the glass of champagne, of course. There is no choice what to take. Sommelier asked “white” or “rose” with no options. I ordered white. And when the glass came and I made the first taste of it… Well, it was simple. Ordinary champagne, to straight. “Deutz”.

Not my style.

While tasting the sparkling wine, I made a look thru the menu. First impression – this “bistrot” Is not cheap at all. White asparagus (as a starter) – 38 euro. Roasted prawns– 56 euro (could you believe this?) Filet of turbot brittany simply cooked – 65 euro.

I was with my wife so we had a chance to go “thru” the menu. I took artichokes as the starter. She took white asparagus. Turbot as the main course me, sole – for my wife.

What was the first “gourmet” impression? Well, when you have bitter oversized asparagus (it’s like drinking corky wine) it doesn’t make you happy. What about my starter? It didn’t have the flavor and the taste of artichokes at all because the dish was made with a lot of fresh mushrooms and they killed all the rest. It was mushroom strait forward dish.

“Rien a voire aves les artichauts”…

What ‘s about the main courses ? Turbot (the most expensive dish on the menu) totally disappointed me. The fish had no texture and had the very poor flavor. Plus the fish was light warm when it came to the table. It’s just green asparagus –that I loved on the plate. The rest – is a big mess. And believe me - it doesn’t cost 65 euro. Crazy price for a bistrot, even if the owner is mr Ducasse. What about the "sole"? Normal dish. With no shock. Just fish. Without a rich taste.

Verdict? Well, the final bill was around 350 euro with wines and deserts. Absolutely crazy price for that level of food. You can spend much less in a Michelin restaurant. “Le Relais Plaza” has no stars.

What I can say? Well, there is a restaurant next door to the Plaza Athenee hotel – Maison Blanche. I’ve been there before. And it’s extraordinary.

p.s. I have not been to the main 3 michelin star Alain’s Ducasse restaurant in Plaza Athenee (now It operates only 2 days a week). And I think it could be outstanding. Le Louis XV in Monaco (also has 3 michelin stars) – is one of my favorite restaurants. Same for signature Alain Ducasse restaurant in London.

As for “Le Relais Plaza”: big… very big disappointment.

Where: 21, avenue Montaigne, Paris, France