KGB - Kitchen Galerie Bis 25, Rue des Grands Augustins 75006 Paris, France +33 1 46 33 00 85
Occupying an ancient Saint Germain des Pres space that most recently housed chef Jacques Cagna’s seafood bistro, William Ledeuil’s new KGB, or Kitchen Galerie Bis, is more than just an annex to his wildly popular Ze Kitchen Galerie a few doors down. For starters, the prices are lower and the service is brisker, but most importantly, he offers a different declension of the Asian influenced contemporary French bistro cooking that has made him one of the most influential chefs in Paris. Here the menu begins with hors d’oeuvres, served as two, four or six snap shots of his vivid, graphic and absolutely delicious cuisine. You can get crispy panko-coated shrimp-and chicken croquette with piquillo ketchup, shot of white bean soup with galangal, Wagyu beef tartare with carrot-ginger jus, and mushroom-stuffed macaroni in a chlorophyll bright broth. Next, a Cubist style presentation—Ledeuil’s cooking is intentionally graphic, of capeletti, little pasta caps that look like fiddle head ferns, with a fried quail’s egg, fine slices of Mimolette cheese, green-olive tapenade and an Asian pesto sauce, then a white china casserole of slow-braised pork ribs and griddled potatoes in a hoisin-shoyu marinade.
The grand finale: apple cappuccino with ginger ice cream and a gelee of mostarda di Cremona, a perfect example of Ledeuil’s imagination. “The mating of different culinary traditions is a very ancient story,” Ledeuil said. “Olive oil was once exotic anywhere in France outside of Provence, but today it’s an essential part of the modern French pantry. I see my cooking as part of this same tradition—I exhilirate French dishes with Asian herbs and seasonings.” True, but the main reason Ledeuil’s food is so good is that his finely honed culinary technique doesn’t “fuse” these foreign ingredients into French bistro cooking, it sublimates them.
)
Located near the Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain, the Yves Delorme boutique displays its sophisticated household linens. Every season brings new collections which have achieved great success. The high quality of its woven 100% Egyptian cotton fabrics lends sheets and pillowcases a softness and strength that endures the test of time. Table linens, bathroom linens, accessories and a children’s product line complete the collection.
Yves Delorme, 27, Rue St Sulpice 75006 Paris www.yvesdelorme.fr
For the past thirty years, this brand has designed fashionable ready-to-wear clothing for children from birth to age 10. With its original style and high-quality materials, colours and finishing, this brand has become a benchmark for mothers. If you’re shopping for a gift for a new baby, a beautiful baby top in embroidered sheer cotton or a little floral peasant dress, this is the shop to visit. The Rue de Tournon location invites you to discover the world of Bonpoint, offering over 1000 m2 of floor space.
Bonpoint, 6, Rue de Tournon 75006 Paris – Shop on-line at www.bonpoint.com
The first L’Occitane Spa in Paris recently opened near the Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain. This brand is known for its plant-based products. With face and body care along with treatment packages, every act is a ritual accompanied by the scents of Provence. After intense days of touring Paris, you’ll enjoy an exquisite opportunity to relax.
Discover the Saint-Germain market, located on Rue Lobineau behind Boulevard Saint-Germain. It includes a recently renovated shopping gallery with several restaurants and clothing stores, but above all it is known for its quality food market.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the Luxembourg Garden, a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris. The Luxembourg Garden is a private garden which is open to the public. Established in 1612 at the request of Marie de Médici, it covers 23 hectares with lawns, flower beds and sculptures. It’s one of the favourite gardens of Parisians, students (in nice weather, you’ll see small groups of them studying for exams on the lawns) and walkers.
The Palais de Luxembourg, the former residence of Marie de Médici, today houses the French Senate. The museum is devoted to major temporary art exhibitions, renowned for the high quality of works on display.
In the summer, don’t miss the ice cream stand at the Boulevard Saint-Michel entrance, offering dozens of different flavours…
Jardin du Luxembourg, Boulevard Saint-Michel 75006 Paris
The nearest Vélib station to the Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain is located at 34 Rue de Condé. Thanks to Vélib, you can now tour Paris in complete freedom. Since Vélib was founded, its success is undeniable. The number of stations and bicycles is constantly rising and the system now extends to the inner suburbs. Carefully respect the bicycling rules of the road, use reserved pathways and all will go well! Discover new routes on the Vélib website: www.velib.paris.fr