HOT SPOT #1: BLUE VALENTINE

Here it is, the first "Hot Spot" in what I hope will be a long and successful series on the blog... I've been craving new features lately. So why this one? Well, because I love tracking down new addresses, going fishing for new places, letting my ears wander to hear about crazy places, opening my eyes wide... Whether it's restaurants, boutiques, cafés etc... I love being the "tester", and even more saying "But we've got to eat there, you'll go crazy!"... 

To begin with, I'd like to inaugurate this section with Blue Valentine, which I've more than tested... I've only been there a handful of times, but what a discovery! To tell you the whole story, I met Léna, the owner of this restaurant, when I shot the "Brunch en amoureux" chapter at la chambre aux oiseaux, one of her other babies... And it was Hervé, who works there, who told me about Blue Valentine, remember?Hervé and his wrapped saladThe restaurant had only been open for a few days, so the next day we went to try it out with my boyfriend: marvellous.

I literally adore the place, halfway between Scandinavian design and a psychedelic atmosphere. The first time, I was surprised and wasn't sure I'd like this unlikely mix of styles, and then the other times, it became so obvious, the magic worked... But let's talk about the essential: the kitchen!  

It's a Japanese chef who officiates here, I can't find the words... it's as beautiful as it is good, when the dishes arrive, it's a colorful, graphic and delicate feast. I rediscover the "little forest" plate compositions I discovered in Helsinki. I'm ecstatic, it's fresh, the aromatic herbs and wild flowers dance in the dishes. I take my time tasting, which is quite exceptional for me... The fish and meat are cooked to perfection. I even ate pigeon there one evening, completely improbable that I could choose this kind of dish, and it was crazy. The menu is simple and evolves with the days, the arrivals and the inspiration of chef Saïto Terumistsu.

And wildflower on the small forest, the prices are very affordable, considering the quality and level of the dishes that come out of the kitchens... For a starter, main course and dessert, count 36€.

Open Wednesday to Sunday.
Brunch, single menu on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm.
Reservations recommended. 

• Le blue Valentine, 
• 13 rue de la Pierre Levée, 
• 75011 Paris.
• 01 43 38 34 72