When I tried the restaurant Solstice during my last trip to Paris, I was sure – or almost – that the Michelin guide would add a star to its 2020 list. Not surprisingly, I was right!
Congratulations to Eric Trochon and his team for this outstanding achievement.
Eric Trochon was elected Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2011. In 2019, with his Korean wife and sommelier, they joined forces and created a welcoming and elegant space. Being at the corner of rue Claude Bernard and rue Bertholet in the 5th arrondissement in Paris, the restaurant has big bay windows on each side of the façade, bringing sunlight and brightness into space.
Neutral colors are used to create an understated atmosphere: oak wood floors, dark wood for the art deco chairs, white tablecloths and china, and black and white frames on the off-white walls. The space is quite small – 25 seats – but you never feel packed, as the tables are spaced out (rarely the case in Paris!). The kitchen brigade works gently and with harmony; you should not expect distracting noises coming from behind the walls.
We ordered the menu Découverte; a 5-course dinner menu for €65.
It started with a dish of two little amuse-bouche that we paired with a glass of champagne of course!
The starter was fava beans hummus and chickpeas, topped with herbs and a crunchy fennel galette. It was appetizing, fresh, and a tiny citrusy.
We had white wine by the glass and opted for the Château Pierre-Bise from the Loire region.
The first main dish was fish: Flounder with grenobloise – a sauce made of browned butter, capers, parsley, and lemon – served with greens and a smooth puree.
The second main dish was roast veal served with yellow zucchini, redcurrant, and yellow cherry tomatoes. The meat was pink and melted in the mouth. It was beautifully decorated, like every single dish served by Chef Trochon.
The desserts were absolutely delicious. Especially the first one – it was honey-based with a beehive galette and honey ice cream, and the second dessert was plum and nectarine with sorbet.
Before receiving the mignardises – caramel candy and fruit flan – it was time to have a photo with chef Trochon! Despite the loads of work he had – the restaurant was fully booked – he gladly came over and smiled for a picture!
I checked on their website, the prices have not changed, so don’t wait too long before making your reservation at Solstice!
Solstice
45 Rue Claude Bernard
75005 Paris, France
📞+33 6 52 31 83 84
Price range: $$$
Lunch menu: €35
Menu Découverte: 5-course €65
Menu Omakase: 6-course menu €90
Tuesday: 7 – 10 pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 12:15 – 14:15 pm, 7 – 10 pm
Closed Monday and Sunday
