Muscade
36, rue de Montpensier (67, galerie Montpensier)
75001 Paris
France

+33 (0) 1 42 97 51 36
www.muscade-palais-royal.com

French cuisine

Restaurant: 2.5/5

Muscade is located in the historical Palais Royal in the heart of Paris. While the decor is simple, the location is really exceptional. The restaurant is relatively comfortable. I would advise to get a table on the totally delightful terrace.

Service: 2.5/5

The service was good but a bit slow. While my waiter made genuine efforts to please me, he was waiting on the kitchen (the place was full).

Food: 3/5

The bread, traditional French baguette, was tasty but a bit elastic.

As main course I had the lamb tajine. The lamb, served with couscous and dates, was nice and tasty. The meat was very tender but a bit cold.

For desert, I had orange and chocolate tart. The tart, extremely soft and smooth, was exceptional. It had both a subtle orange flavor and a strong dark chocolate flavor.

Value for money: 3.5/5

Around $45, including drinks (a glass of wine, sparkling water and coffee) and tip. Considering the restaurant, the location, the food and the current exchange rate (close to 1.6 dollars for 1 euro at the moment), Muscade is definitely a good value for money. I will certainly come back.

Ladurée
75, avenue des Champs Elysées
75008 Paris
France

+33 (0) 1 40 75 08 75
www.laduree.fr

French cuisine

Restaurant: 3.5/5

Ladurée has multiple locations in Paris. They are mainly a patisserie but also have a tea salon and/or a restaurant in certain locations. I visited the restaurant located on the iconic avenue des Champs Elysées as I arrived late in Paris and this particular one stays open relatively late. The decor, designed by the very famous Jacques Garcia, is a refined version of the classic 18th century French style. The restaurant is quite comfortable. I would advise to get a table on the first floor which is more cozy and definitely quieter.

Service: 3.5/5

The service was very good. Unfortunately, while our waiter made genuine efforts to please us, a breakdown of they computer system meant that the whole operation was running in slow motion.

Food: 3.5/5

The bread selection was very nice. The green candy looking green cylinder on the photo is actually butter.

I started with the tomato Saint-Honoré. That very original dish is composed of a kind of tomato chutney laying on a savory pastry, decorated with roasted chery tomatoes and basil whipped cream. Not only it was original and delicious but the presentation is quite spectacular. As you can see in the photo, it look very much like a desert.

As main course, I had the blue fin tuna. The tuna, moist and tender, was perfectly executed. It was served with rose flavored semolina and fresh strawberries. While the flavor of the semolina was exquisite, it was a bit dry. The strawberries were unexpected but definitely a good complement to the dish.

For desert, I had a rose and raspberry Saint-Honoré. The Saint-Honoré, a symphony of pastel rose colors was decorated with fresh raspberries and a red rose petal. Both the custard and the whipped cream are rose flavored while the heart of the pastry is a raspberry stew. And yes, it does taste as good as it looks.

Value for money: 3.5/5

Around $60, including drinks (a glass of wine, mineral water and coffee) and tip. Considering the restaurant, the location, the food and the current exchange rate (close to 1.6 dollars for 1 euro at the moment), Ladurée is definitely a good value for money. I will certainly come back.