Each month, in Acumen, Flora di Carlo reveals her latest finds and personal favorites: gourmet addresses, places to relax, and cultural events. Follow the guide!
TO DISCOVER
"FAVORITE" ADDRESSES
Pimpan – A hidden gem where culinary art becomes a spectacle
In the heart of the Hôtel Dame des Arts, in the 6the In the 16th arrondissement of Paris, Pimpan is one of those discreet addresses whispered among those in the know. Behind its doors, the hushed atmosphere and subdued lighting immediately immerse you in an intimate, almost timeless ambiance. Here, refinement blends with a touch of mystery, like a theatrical set before the curtain rises. Upon arrival, Rodolfo Fortini, actor and waiter, greets us with a broad smile. The conversation is easy, natural, and sets the tone for an evening of conviviality. Pimpan is, above all, a state of mind: unpretentious elegance, genuine generosity, and the sincere pleasure of sharing a beautiful meal.
The tasting menu, orchestrated by chef Clément Courtemanche, unfolds in five courses, like a musical score designed to surprise with every bite. The various dishes offer a balance of flavors and textures that evolve throughout the meal. The starter opens with refreshing combinations: grilled avocado, enhanced by tangy clementines, crunchy pickles, and toasted tuiles, plays on the contrast between sweetness and vibrancy. The gravlax-style salmon, meltingly tender and delicately marinated, is accompanied by a red cabbage coleslaw and pomegranate seeds that burst in the mouth, adding an unexpected touch of zest. Then come more substantial dishes, where the flavors intensify: the filleted sole, enhanced by a Grenoble-style gremolata, accompanied by cauliflower and preserved lemon, reveals a precise interplay of textures and a subtle balance. Rather than opting for the roast duck, I chose to continue with a second fish course, selecting the grilled pollack served with celery risotto and a Maltese sauce. This proved to be a delightfully inspired choice, highlighting the delicate flavors of the seafood and the chef's subtle seasoning. For a truly indulgent finale, the dark chocolate cream, served with a cocoa crumble, a melting milk caramel, and crunchy peanuts, brought the meal to a close on a comforting, nostalgic note. At Pimpan, you don't watch the clock; you simply let yourself be carried away by the pleasure. The experience is lived fully, without rushing, and you leave with the feeling of having savored a suspended moment, where the quality more than justifies the journey. Each dish is an invitation to slow down, to savor, to enjoy the present. It was as if this place had been waiting for us unknowingly, as if this encounter with the chef's cuisine and the hushed atmosphere had been predestined. After all, as Paul Éluard wrote: "There are no coincidences, only appointments." A gastronomic experience meticulously planned down to the smallest detail, where the refinement of the menu justifies a price tag that lives up to the promise.
4, rue Danton, Paris 6e
damedesarts.com
Table Penja – A culinary fusion between Paris and Africa
An invitation to travel to the heart of the 7th arrondissement, where La Table Penja celebrates African flavors with a subtle and contemporary interpretation. Here, tradition blends with modernity in a refined setting, where the understated décor contrasts with vibrant artistic touches. From the moment you enter, your gaze is drawn to the brightly colored banquettes, reminiscent of abstract expressionist canvases, with their intense Klein blue and bold blocks of color. A striking contrast to the minimalist elegance of the furniture and the carefully considered simplicity of the space. In this inspiring setting, Pierre Siewe embodies a new generation of chefs who dare to assert themselves through a strong identity. The son of restaurateurs, he could have followed a well-trodden path, but in Cameroon, his country of origin, cooking is traditionally the domain of women. Driven by his passion, he chose to train with the best: the prestigious Savoy in London, then under the tutelage of Yves Camdeborde, a pioneer of Parisian bistronomy. His journey then led him to spend over ten years at Le Garde Temps, where he refined his style and forged a culinary signature blending French technique with African influences. Today, he embarks on his own adventure with La Table Penja, a tribute to spices, and in particular to the renowned Penja pepper, an emblem of his native region.
Conceived as a true window between Paris and Africa, the restaurant's décor is the work of Caroline Choux (U Design agency), who successfully captured Pierre Siewe's vision: fusion dishes that create a dialogue between French gastronomic precision and the authenticity of African ingredients. The open kitchen, the restaurant's central feature, allows diners to observe the precise movements of the chef and his team, reinforcing this impression of intimacy and transparency. Bright, artistic, and welcoming, the space invites guests on a journey where every element of the décor echoes the culinary fusion offered on the plate. The restaurant is also a tribute to craftsmanship, a guiding principle dear to the chef. The walls are adorned with works by Fred Ebami, a Cameroonian artist whose colorful compositions energize the dining room. The tableware, custom-designed by Studio Ancher, and the knives forged especially for the establishment by the prestigious Ceccaldi cutlery workshop, testify to the meticulous attention paid to every detail.
The "Métissage" tasting menu unfolds in four courses, a true culinary journey navigating between Africa and France, boldness and balance. The experience begins gently with the Paris mushroom, presented in different textures: creamy duxelles, aromatic powder, and fonio salad. The organic soft-boiled egg adds subtle roundness, while crispy bread chips structure the whole. Next comes the rock octopus, caramelized and glazed with bongo sauce, revealing sweet and spicy nuances. It is accompanied by a parsnip mousseline with coffee, a vegetarian chili condiment, and a grapefruit reduction that provides a touch of refreshing acidity. A masterful interplay of contrasts, where each bite reveals a new dimension. For the main course, lamb is served as a roasted rib and shoulder braised with ras el hanout. The dish is enhanced by a mixture of candied red onions and organic lemon pulp, while theattiéké It adds a light and fragrant touch. A comforting dish, both intense and delicately balanced. Finally, the meal concludes with a surprise: the ivory chocolate, where the smooth ganache is paired with Oscietra caviar, a tangy golden apple compote, and fresh Penja green peppercorn ice cream. A dessert where sweetness and character interact, playing on a palette of unexpected sensations. To accompany this immersion, the Clos Blanc Château La Martinette, a delicate Côtes-de-Provence, underscores the aromatic richness of the dishes with natural elegance. At La Table Penja, gastronomy becomes a total sensory experience, where flavors, textures, and even colors respond to each other in harmony. Here, fusion is not simply an inspiration, but a culinary language in its own right, offering a modern and bold vision of African cuisine. A menu conceived as a journey of flavors, where pleasure takes precedence over all other considerations. An address where every detail – from the décor to the plates – evokes a journey without borders, yet with a distinct identity. A four-course menu where each dish tells a story… for a price that reflects the high standards of the establishment and the richness of the flavors.
2, rue Sedillot, Paris 7e
tablepenja.paris
The Entrecôte & Poultry Workshop – An experience centered around exceptional meats
With several locations in Paris and Reims, L'Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille has established itself as a benchmark for meat lovers. Not far from the Bastille, in the heart of the 4th arrondissement.e In the 16th arrondissement, but also in Réaumur, a vibrant neighborhood in the capital, and even in Reims, the brand extends its concept with the same exacting standards: cuisine centered on the excellence of the ingredients and respect for tradition. From the moment you enter, the ambiance captivates with its understated yet warm elegance. The décor plays on the balance between raw materials and refined touches, with solid wood, natural stone walls, and a glass-fronted wine cellar showcasing a fine selection of wines. Far from excess, every element seems designed to create a welcoming atmosphere, where one comes above all to savor sincere and generous cuisine. L'Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille offers a single menu, designed to highlight the quality of the meats served. Here, there's no hesitation: everything is orchestrated around a masterful culinary experience where the ribeye steak and poultry are the true stars. The meal begins with a crisp green salad, served with walnuts and a light vinaigrette, providing a refreshing start. Next comes the first course, where the ribeye steak and poultry are cooked to perfection, revealing their melt-in-your-mouth texture and intense flavor. Each bite is enhanced by a house-made sauce with rich and balanced notes, a signature of the restaurant. The second course allows you to appreciate another facet of these exceptional meats. The ribeye steak offers its full depth of flavor after carefully controlled aging, while the slowly roasted poultry retains unparalleled tenderness. To accompany these cuts of meat, unlimited homemade fries add a crispy, golden touch, while artisanal bread harmoniously complements the meal. Finally, the meal concludes on a gourmet and authentic note, with a choice between a plate of mature cheeses or generously filled profiteroles. A final touch that celebrates French culinary tradition in all its understated refinement. L'Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille perfectly illustrates the philosophy of a meal where simplicity rhymes with excellence, offering a quality of products and expertise that makes all the difference. The experience, served with generosity, is to be savored without compromise, and you leave with the certainty of having truly enjoyed a moment to its fullest. Excellent value for money for lovers of exceptional meats, with a generous and expertly prepared menu, served in two courses.
21, boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 4e
128, rue Réaumur, Paris 2e
latelierev.com
Looking for a getaway idea outside of Paris?
Marlow – The alliance of design and haute cuisine
Escape Paris for a weekend, treat yourself to a break, and discover a place where design and gastronomy unite in an immersive experience: welcome to Marlow. Located in Monaco, this restaurant is ideal for a sophisticated interlude on the French Riviera. Designed by the talented Hugo Toro, Marlow's décor blends minimalism and delicacy, with a refined aesthetic where every detail has been meticulously crafted. Between noble materials, soft textures, and subtly dimmed lighting, the space is conceived as a modern and intimate haven, offering an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming. On the menu, haute cuisine is expressed through surprising and demanding combinations. Each dish is conceived as a work of balance, elevating exceptional ingredients in bold and refined compositions. The chef makes it a point of honor to offer cuisine where seasonality and creativity meet, providing an experience that evolves with the seasons and his inspirations. Whether you come for an intimate dinner for two or a special moment with friends, Marlow is the perfect place to extend your Monaco experience beyond the city limits. An escape where visual delights rival those of the palate, and where every bite reminds you why Monaco is synonymous with excellence and refinement. The ideal opportunity to get away and treat yourself to a weekend where gastronomy and the art of living blend perfectly. A culinary escape in a haven of design, where the price reflects the excellence of the experience and the exclusivity of the location.
Princess Gabriella Square, Monaco
montecarlosbm.com
A LUXURIOUS BREAK: SPA & WELLNESS
Alaena – The ultimate wellness experience
In the heart of Paris, Alaena stands out for its unique approach to well-being, blending dermatological expertise with relaxation rituals inspired by Asian traditions. Conceived as a true sanctuary of serenity, this space with its Japanese influences immediately envelops you in a soft and refined atmosphere. Light wood, minimalist lines, and natural light invite instant relaxation, far from the urban bustle. Among the house's signature treatments, the regenerating treatment stands out for its exclusive protocol, designed to restore vitality and radiance to the skin. Thanks to the combination of highly concentrated natural active ingredients and expert techniques, it provides a feeling of absolute comfort while deeply stimulating cell renewal. Every movement is precise, every texture carefully chosen to offer an experience that is as enveloping as it is effective. A true haven of serenity, Alaena embodies the perfect balance between science and nature, offering a holistic approach to skincare where relaxation and beauty go hand in hand. An ideal interlude for people seeking a suspended moment, where well-being is expressed in its purest form.
28, rue Meslay, Paris 3e
alaena-cosmetique.com
Bloom House Hotel & Spa – The address where luxury and relaxation become one
In an elegant and intimate setting, Bloom House Hotel & Spa offers an absolute sensory experience, where every detail has been carefully considered to provide an exceptional moment. Its hushed atmosphere, punctuated by fine materials and soft hues, creates an immediate sense of calm. Far removed from conventional spas, this secluded haven redefines the codes of well-being with a holistic and immersive approach. At the heart of the experience is Bloom House's signature treatment, a relaxing massage with precious oils, promising total release. Tailored to the body's needs, it combines fluid movements and deep techniques to release every tension and rebalance energies. The immersion doesn't end there: each treatment is accompanied by a wellness ritual that reharmonizes body and mind, making this experience a suspended moment between relaxation and revitalization. Whether for an afternoon getaway or a wellness retreat, Bloom House Hotel & Spa ticks all the boxes for refinement and ultimate relaxation. It's an invitation to pamper yourself in a setting where luxury is experienced with simplicity, for a profound reconnection with your senses and inner balance.
23, rue du Château-Landon, Paris 10e
bloomhouse-hotel.com
CULTURAL ESCAPE: FILMS & EXHIBITIONS
FANON – A powerful biopic about a committed man
Cinema takes hold of the fascinating story of Frantz Fanon, psychiatrist and anti-colonial activist, in an intense and captivating film. Plunging into the torment of a man in search of justice, this work promises a striking look at his intellectual and political legacy.
PAD Design – The meeting place for design enthusiasts
For lovers of exceptional furniture and contemporary art, PAD Design is the unmissable event of the season. This prestigious fair brings together renowned designers and emerging talents around avant-garde works and unique pieces that redefine the aesthetics of our time.
padesignart.com
