Par Margaret Kemp
At the Eiffel Tower, following last years' brilliant renovation of the Jules Verne gastronomic restaurant (on the second floor) by Alain Ducasse, there's a new dining option on the first floor.
58 meters above ground Le
58 Tour Eiffel offers exciting and original eating sensations throughout the day. The two story space, with glass roof, has contemporary décor by Patrick Jouin (who also designed the Jules Verne) divided by an elegant wood and steel staircase.
Arriving by lift, or on foot if you're fit, Palais de Chaillot is opposite, the Seine below and, in front of you, the open kitchen is built like a vast cauldon. Sporting sassy white jackets over chocolate brown aprons the chefs prepare "picnic chic" at lunchtime.
Guests are given a table ticket, order drinks, then go to the counter to select their dishes which are then placed in wacky stainless steel "
Eiffel style " Pierre Tachon designed picnic baskets.
Head chef Alain Soulard (under the direction of Alain Ducasse) suggests: Seared prawns, avocado sesame dressing (7€), wild salmon à la coriander (15€), classic Caesar salad (6€), hamburgers and French fries (15€), desserts include "All about chocolate" (6€) Cheesecake (6€) Cherry clafoutis (6€). There's a childrens' surprise menu at 9€.
At night, watch the sun set on the Seine as Le 58 becomes a chic brasserie and chef Soulard presents "classics re-interpreted".
To start, a freebie of layered crème de carottes and mousse d'asperges: then King Crab Salad, avocado, sesame dressing (26€) Roasted John Dory, flaky pastry vegetable tart, herbs, truffle dressing (32€). Cocotte of seasonal vegetables, parmesan emulsion or Duck breast with baked fruits, sauce "dolce forte" (20€).
Drink wine by the glass, carafe or bottle, selected by Gérard Margeon, Head Sommelier for Group Alain Ducasse. Chateau Réal Martin 2005 (45€) Morgon - Corcellette 2007 (35€) Finish with cheese (12€) Profiteroles "our way" (12€) Fresh fruit composition, Marco Polo tea sorbet (11€) Rum Ba-Ba, whipped cream (12€) etc. It's all good
58 Tour Eiffel
Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007, Paris
Access: 1st floor by Piliers North and East
Picnic chic from 11.30 - 17.30 (19€) (no reservations)
Afternoon Tea 20€
Dinner formula at 65€ or 80€ with drinks 18.30 - 23.30
Or A La Carte
Voir le site 58 Tour Eiffel
T: 00 33 (1) 76 64 14 64
Open 7/7
