HOT TABLE. Michael Grosman turned a tourist market stand into a wildly popular all-day natural wine bar restaurant with gorgeous food by Chef Masa Ikuta.
Michael knows how to throw a party and is one of the best in the hospitality business. So when he told me he took over a stand in an open-air tourist market known for selling couscous on paper plates and soda in plastic cups… I admit I was a little worried, but it didn’t last long. He installed kick a** kitchen equipment, beautiful beer taps, filtered water system, glass drinking ware, glazed pottery plates, natural wines and brought in talented chef Masa Ikuta (who is also DJ for the playlist).
It is no wonder that in pretty weather these no reservation bar-height picnic tables are hard to get.
How does it work? Just invite a group of friends, bring a lot of patience, order as much as you can handle from the chalkboard menus and stay for a while. Masa changes the menu every, single, day. Early risers will see huge whole St. Jean du Luz tuna, 3-kilo Brittany blue lobsters and baskets of fresh vegetables being delivered because he is getting product direct from farmers, fisherman and hunters.
Thirsty? Don’t hesitate don’t to tell Michael the style of wine that you like (white, dry, red, fruity, light, heavy, spicy) and he’ll find the perfect bottle for you.
Insider Tip:
Come hungry, thirsty, ready to mingle with strangers. If you aren't looking for a fun vibe, it is not for you.
What to Order:
The gorgonzola mussels or white wine clams are legendary (ask for a second basket of bread so you can dip it in the sauce at the bottom of the bowl). Fresh Turbot fish, gargantuan Galician shrimp, grilled octopus with red pepper coulis sauce, raw tuna belly tartare, tempura sardines with ginger mayo, heirloom tomatoes & Burrata, Sicilian eggplant, sea urchin, etc. If its in season, he's got it.
Getting In:
Walk-ins only. Wildly popular for lunch on pretty days, especially on the weekends.
Les Enfants Du Marché
- 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris, France
- Directions
- 01 40 24 01 43
- http://www.lesenfantsdumarche.fr
- Hours:
Tues, Wed, Sunday 9am - 5pm
Thurs, Fri, Saturday 9am - 10:30pm
Closed Monday - Neighborhood: NOMA (North Marais) 3rd Arr
- Nearest metro: Filles du Calvaire, Temple
