Paris, June 2018 – I was captivated by the documentary on Chef Adeline Grattard, a French chef who went to Hong Kong to find her inspiration for the hottest restaurant in Paris, Yam’Tcha (1 Michelin star). Her interpretation of Franco Chinese cuisine is refreshing and absolutely delicious.

Yam ‘Tcha, located on rue saint Honoré, is intimate and informal. Chef Adeline was at the helm, speaking in both French and English, working with her team preparing dishes on the pass in front of a window that can be viewed from the dining room.

Mr. King and I were very impressed by the Menu Degustation (Eur150).

Amuse Bouche – a medley of cherries & Italian parsley and vegetable spring roll with chestnut purée.

White asparagus with caviar – was so juicy and sweet.

White fish, Sicilian cucumber, eggplant, Begonia flower, lemonade and sauce – Eggplant was sautéed Chinese style. The combination was an explosion of flavors and textures – crunchy cucumbers, tender and moist fish perfectly cooked, tangy lemon sauce and a touch of floral essence.

Lobster tail, topped with XO sauce, caviar, beans served with steamed buns – was the standout dish! We loved the “lobster bisque” sauce, and the shrimps & scallops chili sauce known as “XO” from Hong Kong really spiced it up.

Sweetbread in a fermented bean curd sauce (known as “Fu Yu” in Chinese) with French potatoes.   If we were not told that the sauce was a fermented sauce, it could pass for a creamy sauce, and it complimented the sweetbread and potatoes perfectly.

Our Menu Degustation ended with a strawberry trio (sorbet, cheesecake, jelly), a kiwi meringue with granita and sorel leave soup with almond milk.

After lunch, we had a quick chat with Chef Adeline who was very charming. After she learned that I am from Hong Kong, Chef Adeline invited us to visit his newest creation – Café Lai’Tcha and Boutique Yam’Tcha. Known as one of the world’s hardest reservations to get, Yam’Tcha certainly lived up to its reputation.

All photos were taken by Mrs. King.