The gossips will laugh, knowing I’m not a jazz fan; you see, I just don’t have the musical ear, and I sing off-key – or like a sauce-pan, as we say in French. But they also know I’m a foodie, and wherever there is food there may be joy! And there was! I had a fantastic evening listening to Pablos Campos Trio while savoring a delicious dinner. I do enjoy music after all!
Jazz Café Montparnasse, located in the 14th arrondissement, opened in November 2017, taking over what was called Le Petit Journal, the legendary address for jazz lovers in Paris before its closing in May 2017. The new owner, Belaid Belharet, a jazz lover himself, took on a huge challenge to revive the place, hiring exceptional musicians and great chefs to give the patrons an unforgettable experience. The panel of musicians is unlimited; every day there is a different band performing, and the quality is impressive (I heard it from music lovers).
The chefs in the kitchen prepared a traditional yet attractive menu. The dishes were well-thought-out and well prepared. The bar has a great selection of cocktails, and I started my evening with my favorite: a Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo; a vodka-based cocktail with cranberry and lime juice. It was perfect, the ideal sweetness. The evening was starting rather well!
The tables are spaced out as the restaurant is spacious. We were comfortably seated while savoring our dinner and had a direct view of the stage. For the appetizer, I ordered the poached oysters served with leeks and smoked paprika; the combination of ingredients was delicate and refined.
The poached egg with red wine sauce served with bacon and mushrooms is always an excellent choice, and here was no exception. The egg was soft and moist. This dish is often part of the menus in Paris and each chef has his own take on it.
The Sea bream filet was juicy and crispy. The parsnip puree was excellent and brought a special taste to the dish.
I ordered the beef tartar served with olives, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The meat was of very good quality and the fries were real, homemade crispy French fries.
The beef burger with bacon and onion marmalade was tasty. All the dishes were well presented, and you could tell that the chefs in the kitchen kept a high standard for the establishment.
We ordered the moelleux au chocolat for dessert and a café gourmand. You know a chocolate cake is a success when there is an impression of well-being when eating it.
The café gourmand was a trio of cheesecake, crème brûlée, and mango gazpacho. It’s a perfect choice when you can’t decide on the dessert! They also have champagne gourmand on the menu, I must try it next time!
The Jazz Café Montparnasse has an excellent quality/price ratio; an average of €45 for a three-course menu, entertainment included, and excellent service on top of it. I don’t think it’s possible to beat. What a great night, I will come back for sure!
With Pablos Campos Trio
Jazz Café Montparnasse
13 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte, 75014
📞+33 1 43 21 58 89
Price: $$$
Average: €45 three-course menu, entertainment included
Open: Tuesday to Friday 8 am – 2 am
Saturday 3pm – 2am
Tuesday evening: Swing music
Wednesday evening: Acoustic concert
Subway station: Gaîté – line 13
Public parking available
A fantastic place indeed,