My friend Johann told me about Ze Kitchen Gallery so many times and about the wonders chef William Ledeuil does in his kitchen. I finally got the chance to have a meal there last week in Paris.
Located on the left bank of the river Seine at a stone throw from the Pont Neuf in the Rue des Grands Augustins, the site is medieval but the building dates from the XIX century. From the street, the facade of the restaurant set on the ground floor, is made of big window panes with contemporary floor to ceiling black iron frames inserted between large stone arches. After the glass door opens, guests walk in straight into the service bar where a friendly staff greets them by taking their coat. Right away the bright though warm ambiance reveals a simple interior made of chocolate wooden floor and white walls filled with lithographs, water paintings and other modern art works, all very colorful. This is lunch, and the 40 or so seats restaurant is packed.
As I walk to my table I notice at the other end of the dining room, a glass wall where I see the prep kitchen with cooks getting busy preparing the food. The service staff is all made of young men, all casually but elegantly dressed (no uniforms).
So back to my friend Johann (my host) who kindly reminded me why we were there today: to taste the "fusion cuisine" à la Française. Indeed, chef William Ledeuil fell in love with Thai food and Japanese cuisine during his trips in Asia and particularly in South-East Asia. A look at the menu (40 euros for lunch apps+main+dessert!) one can see right away the predominant Thai influence. (more…)
