Alain Ducasse is an undisputed leader in the world’s culinary scene, having held 21 Michelin stars over the course of his career. But where does one of the world’s greatest chefs go to eat? During the recent one-year anniversary of Alain Ducasse at Morpheus in Macao, the chef shared six of his favourite Parisian eateries.
Maison Plisson 2
This is an épicerie, a grocery store, with a selection of incredible produce, especially the butter, the cheese and the milk. The fromager (cheesemonger) is very passionate about his wares and you can get things here that are otherwise very hard to find in Paris.
35 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Mamiche
I recently discovered Mamiche when I saw people queueing in the street and I went to find out why. It’s a magnificent bakery. It’s run by two young women, not even 30, doing everything by themselves: the bread, the pastries, everything. I like that the people who queue up here are young and trendy. And I like that they’re interested in something as small as a bakery. Me, I’m getting older: I like to see what young people eat. One of my favourites is the olive ficelle. It’s very simple but very good – and it’s only €1.40 (HK$13).
45 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris
Nomicos
This used to be called Les Tablettes. It’s one-Michelin-starred food from Marseille, in the south of France, very tasty. The chef, Jean-Louis Nomicos, is fairly young and very professional. He used to work for me at La Terrasse in Juan-les-Pins. By my side, he was very attentive about the produce, the experience. It’s something that we can still see today at this restaurant.
16 Avenue Bugeaud, 75016 Paris
À la Vierge de la Réunion
It’s run by a French-Australian couple. She cooks at lunchtime, he cooks at dinner. They serve natural wines and the menu is very simple: three courses, €20 (HK$175). I like the crowd that goes there: they’re young, and it’s a very ‘neighbourhood’ place. The team is also very young and very friendly – I like that, because friendly isn’t something you can always find in Paris. People are always surprised to see me in a restaurant like that. But I don’t want them to treat me differently!
58 Rue de la Réunion, 75020 Paris
L’Assiette
This was once the favourite restaurant of former president Francois Mitterrand. Now there’s a new guard in charge, led by a very good chef from central France, David Rathgeber. At one point I was thinking about buying this restaurant myself, but it’s too small for me. So I suggested to David it would be great for him. He cooks traditional French cuisine, chic bistro food. And it’s got a really good crowd – people who definitely love food.
181 Rue du Château, 75014 Paris
Ducasse Sur Seine
The boat is a floating restaurant on the most beautiful avenue in the world – the River Seine. You get the beauty of Paris, the monuments, the lights. It’s contemporary French cuisine, and really the best way to discover a city like Paris. It’s quite a big boat, and there’s a whole deck dedicated to the kitchen. The same size you’d have in any luxury hotel. You should come – it’s just a flight on a plane, after all. I have a friend who flew from Paris to Doha in Qatar just for lunch in one of my restaurants. He’s been to every single one of my outlets: only he and I myself have done that.
19 Port Debilly, 75116 Paris
