Visually mesmerizing and transformative, Netflix’s Chef’s Table is a current indulgence. Their recent series, directed by David Gelb of Jiro Dreams of Sushi fame, is all about France. We were instantly intrigued by Adeline Grattard and her Franco-Chinois restaurant in Paris, Yam’Tcha. Here is a woman chef, who found her grit and inspiration in Hong Kong, and infused it into her and her husband’s quaint bistro. Bestowed with a Michelin star, critics and couch foodies have fallen in love with Yam’Tcha’s unique story. Naturally it was #1 on our list of places to try while in Paris during a chilly October weekend.
Getting a reservation was quite the feat, but we cashed in all favors, pulled strings and managed to squeeze onto the waitlist for the Saturday evening. So we waited. And waited…In the days leading up to Paris, we became mildly obsessed with her Stilton and Amarena cherry steamed bao buns. By the time we touched down, the obsession turned into madness as we went about our weekend in Paris. The only thing we were thinking about was THE CALL and those buns.
Then! Miraculously Saturday at 7pm we got THE CALL and we had a table at 8pm! Could we be there? Of course! Was it all that we had hoped for? A resounding yes, yes and so much more… Yam’Tcha has only one selection: the seven course tasting menu. No ifs ands or butts about it. Just buns. Every night is different depending on the chef’s creations. We, of course, opted for the seven course wine pairing as well. Because, obviously.
After dinner, we were just buzzed enough to ask for a ‘fan photo’ with the chef, who most generously obliged. Looking back, we wonder if this is what people felt like when they first tasted say, Jean-George’s creations back in the day? The artistry of fusing culinary talents, cultures and transforming it into something new is a true gift.
Adeline Grattard is a success story in every sense of the world, and like all selfish beings, we hope she stays small. The intimate, zen-like atmosphere and magical dishes coming out of the kitchen transport you to another dimension. These are the dishes that linger long in your soul years afterwards. True artistic harmony. Oh, and those bao buns….just special, so special.
Yam’Tcha
121 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 40 26 08 07
For your steamed bao bun fix…
Boutique Yam’Tcha
4 rue Sauval, 75001 Paris, France
Tel: + 33 1 40 26 06 06