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Shirvan Cafe Matisse, Paris


Sometimes the stars align just right and we find ourselves in Paris at the same time as our dear friends.  What fun!!!! Where to eat?

While vacationing in a foreign city we usually try to stick to the local cuisine but, once in a while, we need a break from eating similar foods over a course of a few days or longer.  In Paris, we usually break the French food cycle with falafel or sushi, but my intention was to totally surprise my husband who, like our friends, likes to be culinarily adventurous.  I am usually accused of being a predictable one trick pony; foie gras, duck confit, and beef bourguignon while in Paris, so this was an opportunity to do something very different. 


 I booked a table at Shirvan, a great Azerbaijan inspired restaurant about which I have heard very good things. It is located on Place de L'Alma, at the end of Avenue George V facing the Seine.  I liked the description of the restaurant given by Akrame Benallal, the chef and founder: "Shirvan offers a mosaic of dishes that reimagine the flavors of the Silk Road stretching from Marrakesh in the West to Samarkand in the East".  How cool is that?








 I don't drink but had to take a photo of my friend's drink.  It was called Black Garden - Kettle One lemon vodka, lemon juice, maraschino liquor, and homemade rose syrup.  Tres chic.



 We got a few appetizers to share: Homemade humus


This delicious, light, and packed with flavor tomato and strawberry tart. 


Fantastic roasted cauliflower with almond and lemon sauce.  I could come back here and just have this cauliflower with the flatbread and a nice dessert, a wholesome meal, no?


 We ordered a variety of main entrees to share:  A delicious beef Tajine,


 

 Tandoori chicken,


    Chicken stew with onion and apricot,


marinated sea bream,


 Basmati rice infused with herbs and saffron.

  
Delicious flatbread.

There was not a single dud among all the dishes we have enjoyed at Shirvan; everything was perfectly seasoned, full of flavor, and served with a smile. 


I'm not a fan of spinach but my husband and friends really enjoyed this version which was prepared with ginger, chilli, and tomatoes.


 Well, this is really why I wanted to come to this restaurant; I am a sucker for a pretty Millefeuille, and this one did not disappoint.  It had a lovely citrus tone, a terrific crunchy, caramelized pastry and a light and sweet ganache.  


 It was just superb.


The chocolate souffle with orange and saffron was excellent as well.  It had a lovely creamy texture, the sweetness of the chocolate was not overwhelming, and the orange on the bottom added a wonderful kick of citrus.




This ended up being a fantastic evening, yes, being with good friends made a huge difference, but the delicious and creative food, as well as the fun atmosphere of the restaurant, really helped to create a terrific experience.  We will definitely return.

Shirvan Cafe Matisse
5 Place de L'Alma
Open daily from 8am to 2am

Joanna


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