Didon

Probably our favorite meal in Paris. We were seated downstairs, right next to the kitchen window where we could watch the chefs at work. The whole interior is comfortable and welcoming, and our waiter was attentive and took excellent care of us. The menu is imaginative and every dish we had was spectacular, starting with a vegan (and gluten-free) amuse-bouche of tiny arepas with a dollop of cilantro puree and pickled onion. We shared the vegan starter, a dish of broccoletti--tender, vibrant, with a rich almond puree, dots of sharp lime jelly, and crispy fried kale. For mains, my spouse had the vegan cabbage rolls, with three kinds of mushrooms and mustard greens and a rich broth; the mushrooms were perfect, meltingly tender and flavorful. I had the duck breast--two lovely thick slices of rare seared meat with salsify three ways (puree, roasted, and a scatter of crispy fried chips) and a dark, umami-rich sauce I wanted to lick off the plate. (Fortunately there was plenty of truly excellent multigrain bread.) (The table next to us was having the shared lamb shoulder, which was spoon-tender and looked and smelled amazing.) For dessert, spouse had the vegan rice pudding with coconut milk, coconut sorbet, and a vivid and pillowy mango cream, topped by a sugared shiso leaf; a traditional flavor combination perfectly rendered. I had the Fruits Noirs--one of the most exciting and unexpected flavor combinations I've had for a long time: fresh blackberries, blueberries, and black currants macerated in a grape juice reduction that gave some of the syrupy notes of a compote while letting them keep their fresh character. The fruits were topped with pistachio ice cream and a lait ribot foam--a fermented milk, not quite as sour as buttermilk--and sprinkled in powdered bay leaf, which lent a remarkable flavor, earthy and green. Almost the entirety of the very extensive wine list is available by the glass. Our waiter recommended me a syrah that complimented my duck perfectly. Spouse had a vodka cocktail flavored with zataar and topped with dots of a fruity olive oil--imaginative and delicious. At the end of the meal there was complimentary limoncello. (Which could have been colder. And that is the only thing that could have been improved in the entire evening.) We will definitely be coming back here the next time we are in Paris!

Amazing location and great food. Very good service and many gluten free options. Gluten free bread was amazing! Plus very good music at the end of the dinner!