This was published 10 years ago
I know this great little place ... Sebastien Demorand
By Simon Thomsen
SEBASTIEN DEMORAND, PARIS
Sebastien Demorand is a leading Parisian restaurant critic, author and judge on MasterChef France.
See cuit-cuit.fr.
WHERE’S THE BEST TABLE IN PARIS?
I really don’t like the ‘‘best’’ concept. Very good is fair enough. I’d say L’Arpege chef Passard. He’s a genius, absolutely crazy. His vegetable-driven menu is unique. Very, very expensive, though. See alain-passard.com.
LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
The Belhara, in the 7th. A former Ducasse chef who opened a classic, down-home, neighbourhood bistro. Food’s amazing, the atmosphere deliciously bourgeois. See bistrotbelhara.com.
WHAT IS PARIS’ BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
The Petit Vendome has the best sandwiches in town. I love waiting in the line for my jambon beurre or pate with cornichons. Expect a 30-minute wait. See lepetitvendome.com.
WHERE DO YOU GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?
Nowhere. I hate big nights out. I prefer big nights in!
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
I’d say Burgundy. I love having perfectly grilled andouillettes in Chablis. Marc Colin is one of the town’s best artisan charcutiers. See marccolin.com.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE?
A baguette, straight from the oven. For a single coin, I can’t think of anything better. Boulangerie Julien is among the best. See boulangeriejulien.com.
WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW?
Burgers are hot! It’s easier to get a good burger in Paris than a fantastic baguette with jambon beurre! Try Big Fernand or Blend.See bigfernand.com; blendhamburger.com.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID IN PARIS?
All the (supposedly) classic bistro crap: soupe a l’oignon, croque monsieur, those kind of things. It’s a pity, but no one does them well these days.
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