...were prepared by Adeline Grattard, a young chef that everyone talks about. Within a couple of months after opening her restaurant Yam'Tcha in the center of Paris near Les Halles, she got enthusiastic reviews from the creme de la creme of the food critics, and that included nothing less than a Michelin Star !
Her style of cooking is clearly focussed on taste, no complicated fancy presentation, by combining the flavours of Chinese and French Cuisine, integrating her experiences from learning at Ferrandi (yeah, just like me, so there is hope !), at Pascal Barbot's Astrance and then a couple of years spent in China.
The asparagus (our 3rd starter in the tasting menu) were from the Landes and braised with kumquats and petoncles (small scallops). Amazingly tender, melting in your mouth, and not only super delicious but also beautifully plated.
Just for the anecdote : at the end of our dinner, Adeline came to our table (initially because of a payment issue), and asked whether I was a cook. Ehhh, yes but how do you know, I replied. She pointed smilingly at my hand, that I had burnt the week before in the restaurant with damned hot oil running over it...
I can only recommend to try a dinner at Yam'Tcha...if you have the patience. Book about two months in advance and be prepared to a rather long service.
Yam'Tcha
4 rue Sauval
75001 Paris
Tél. : 01 40 26 08 07
thank you for the photo--looks wonderful--and the recommendation. will try to secure a reservation for my visit in a few months. Since you will no longer be at L'Aromatik (I assume) I will only be able to follow your recommendations and then to wait for your eventual restaurant to open.
Posted by: MIndy | June 08, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Hi MIndy, you have to call on the first of a month in order to make a reservation for any day of the following month. For examle on the first of July for any reservation in the month of August, etc. I will be back full-time in Paris in September, don't hesitate to let me know if you are here and would like to meet or get recommendations in person...
Posted by: Ulla | June 08, 2010 at 10:50 PM
thank you for the "tip", Ulla! I appreciate it.
my husband and I will be bike riding in Burgundy late September/early October and then plan to be in Paris for a few days before returning back to U.S. I will most definately contact you as the time gets closer. if you have any thoughts on the Burgundy area, I welcome those also.
Posted by: MIndy | June 09, 2010 at 05:56 PM
Ulla,
"MORE MORE MORE" as the old song goes. Thank you so much for continuing to blog. Your experience is always inspiring. Many wonderful wishes sent to you during these current changes you are navigating.
much love sent from california!
Bill
Posted by: Bill Butterfield | August 13, 2010 at 06:19 AM
This is a great recipe! I will surelly try it in my place
Posted by: Chez Corin | June 22, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Wow! It looks so delicious that it's kinda hard to stop looking at it. But it's in Paris, and right now, it's impossible for me to go there. I guess I just have to resist the temptation, but maybe someday, I can go there and try it out.
Posted by: Cora Bullock | July 22, 2011 at 07:22 PM