le Clos des Gourmets

le Clos des Gourmets was recommended to us by some local foodie Parisians that we met on our fist day in the city. We had spent a glorious day day seeing Notre Dame, Island City, The Latin District, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower before heading to le Clos des Gourmets.

When we entered, the place smelled amazing. The tables were full of people who clearly enjoyed a good dining experience. We were quickly brought to our seats. The service, from the get-go, was impeccable. Top notch, but not stuffy. Just our style. So, let’s get to the food.

Let’s start how the French like to begin their dining experience…with an aperitif…which is a French word that is derived from the Latin word aperir…which means ‘to open.’ It always includes a drink (usually of the alcoholic variety) and often a small bite-sized snack, or an amuse-bouche.

A delicious light potato and chip pre-dinner snack to go with our apertif — A delicious light potato and chip pre-dinner snack to go with our aperitif

Kir Royale: The classic French paretif — Kir Royale: The classic French aperitif

Now for entrees (French for appetizers): The salad was so fresh with a French vinaigarette that was so refreshing an amazing. The iced shellfish consomme was probably my first dish while France when I said: “Oh my God…I have never tasted anything like this in my life…and it’s one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted.”

Fresh market salad with seasonal herbs, vegetables, and vinaigrette dipping sauce — Fresh market salad with seasonal herbs, vegetables, and a classic French vinaigrette

Iced shellfish consomme, tartar of heritage tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella granita

Salt and Pepper fried egg, raw and sauteed mushrooms, piquillo flesh, basil and shavings of Pata Negra

Now, onto the incredible Plats…(the main dish)…we had roasted chicken, crispy pig head, and incredible ink squid risotto with clams and lobster.

Roasted young farm-raised Gers chicken, new chicken confit, bay leaf jus

Crispy pig's head with fresh herb vinaigrette, smashed Ratte potatoes with lightly salted whipped butter — Crispy pig’s head with fresh herb vinaigrette, smashed Ratte potatoes with lightly salted whipped butter

Ink squid risotto, razor clams and lobster jus

And now…for dessert. An incredible finish to an incredible Parisian dining experience.

Raspberry financier, creamed fromage blanc with lime

Peaches poached in Verbena, served as an iced vacherin – a French dessert made of meringue, vanilla and raspberry sorbet and Chantilly cream

le Clos des Gourmets was an absolutely amazing Parisian dining delight. When you are in Paris…and you are looking for a wonderful place to get fantastic Parisian fare…make a reservation at le Clos de Gourmets.