Review: Maison Blanche

It wasn’t until he end of our dinner at Maison Blanche that we went over to the bar and saw the shiver-worthy view of the Eiffel Tower and the discreet terrace with that million dollar iconic backdrop. 

I’d been invited by management to give this classic modern French restaurant in the 8th a try. It was fairly odd that I’d never been. Back in 2000 I recall my then realtor Marie Helen Lundren who is still with Daniel Feau telling me it was her favorite. 

I knew it was known to be terribly posh but what I didn’t realize was that the food is absolutely top notch. It sits next to Josephine Baker’s old stomping ground the Theatre des Champs Elysees so it’s absolutely ideal after a show there.

Its also a good choice for your first night in Paris or if you are in a celebratory mood. The 95 Euro set tasting menu option is an smart way to go and actually represents a pretty good value the amount and quality you get. Things got off to a good start with oysters in a ponzu sauce as our amuse bouche. 

My business partner Jennifer had the cucumber and fish carpaccio appetizer with an herbed oil. I had the foie gras w/ raspberry and smoked red pepper. Both were a fresh and superb way to start. 

Cabillaut with a creamy butternut squash and an herb oil was my main and was perfectly cooked, the squash was an unexpected and refreshing accompaniment.

The agneau (lamb) was the other plat which was a bit less exciting than the rest of the dishes. We both felt it needed a bit of spicing up. 

Things looked up when dessert arrived. A panacotta was served with manderine coulis – which foreshadowed the coming of spring on this rainy March night, of course we also had to taste the chocolate fondant with toasted seeds which gave it a slightly nouveau touch. 

The service here is Michelin star worthy and polished. The food while not overly inventive is expertly cooked and will satisfy most any discerning tongue. 

The space is palatial as it spans two floors. I’d prefer the lights to be lowered to create more intimacy and on my second trip I’d request one of the cozy booths at the back of the room in winter and the terrace (bien sur) in summer. A drink before or after the meal with the Eiffel Tower view on the second floor is an absolute must.