It's a rare instant in Paris that a restaurant hotspot manages both high style and foodie substance, but that's what is found at L'Instant d'Or found along the platinum-encrusted George V. Built for gastronomy, an ethereal space of white glass walls and dark herringbone floors is interspersed pop-art pieces that compliment snuggly placed tables along a caramel-colored banquette with white futuristic club chairs. The crowd includes a fair share of George V residents, fashion insiders and gastronomic tourists lucky or connected enough to get a reservation.
The Food
Chef Frédéric Duca began his culinary residency in the 8th as head of cuisine for the stylish Hôtel de La Tremoille and later with Hélène Darroze at her signature eatery. At L’Instant, Duca presides over an ala carte and prix fixe menu of “salmon tataki served with French caviar, zest of lemon, spring cauliflower mousse and cucumber sorbet followed by entrees like lobster cooked in its shell with pumpkin or stuffed farmyard quail with candied legs and seasonal vegetables in a tangy blackberry and peppered mint jus. A Japanese pastry chef turns out delightful desserts including intricate parfaits and pineapple-infused pannacotta.
Last Word
Former-Tremoille chef opens gastronomic eatery opposite George V that becomes hottest dining scene in the 8th.
