Some of the capital's establishments keep a low profile, yet they hide some very fine treasures behind their walls. Such is the case with Speakeasy. Nestled in Paris's chic 16th arrondissement, Speakeasy is inspired by the atmosphere of the famous speakeasy bars popularized across the Atlantic in the 1920s.
With its subdued lighting, piano bar, magnificent basement smoking room and impressive wine cellar, Speakeasy is now a benchmark for many regulars and discerning customers, lovers of good music, fine wines and cigars.
Opened in 2011 by art dealer Kif Yeya, Speakeasy also stands out for its gourmet cuisine, which we owe to former Top Chef 2016 winner Xavier Pincemin.
Having arrived in the kitchens in the spring of 2017, the talented Top Chef has given the place a major advantage: offering a cuisine that is at once creative, refined and modern, satisfying the taste buds of many discerning epicureans, including our own.
To give us a taste of his cuisine, the young Chef proposes a tasting menu comprising a starter, two main courses and a dessert, all accompanied by a subtle food and wine pairing.
My tasting begins with an excellent smoked salmon tartare, topped with a melting avocado cream and small pieces of tangy mango.
My sidekick is offered a beef carpaccio, flavored with yuzu lemon and basil.
Beef carpaccio
Other starters on the menu include the highly acclaimed truffle-scented tarama with pommes grenailles.
What's next? Fish first, with one of the favorite dishes of the restaurant's director, Dan Château, the caramelized Black Cod. And it's easy to see why. The combination of sweet and savory appeals from the very first bite, as does the perfect cooking of the fish. As for the truffle purée, it's a delight.
Caramelized Black Cod
Next, on one side of the table, the famous Tiger speakeasy, and on the other, melt-in-the-mouth scallops, once again perfectly cooked, just like the vegetables offered as accompaniments.
Scallops
Also on the menu? Ginger-marinated chicken supreme, steamed sea bass fillet or Simmental beef fillet heart.
Before dessert arrives, customers begin to crowd the bar to listen to the singer and pianist perform a magnificent cover of Amy Winehouse's " Back To Black ".
Finally, to end on a sweet note, the Chef touches us with his caramel cheesecake set on a crunchy speculoos cookie sublimated by a beautiful and hypnotizing visual!
Caramel cheesecake
The only downside to the meal was the overly subdued lighting, in keeping with the ambience of the place, but which somewhat spoiled the visual delight provoked by the magnificent staging of the various dishes.
On the other hand, the Speakeasy has the formidable advantage of inviting you to continue the evening with live music from Tuesday to Saturday!
In short, if you're looking for a trendy night spot where you can enjoy delicious, creative dishes concocted by a top Chef who, we're sure, will go far, all served by a dynamic, smiling team then head to Speakeasy right now!
Practical info:
Le Speakeasy
25 rue Jean Giraudoux, 75016 Paris
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8pm to 3am
Prices : From €14 to €21 for starters / From €28 to €42 for main courses / From €14 to €19 for desserts
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Le Speakeasy
25 Rue Jean Giraudoux
75116 Paris 16
More information
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
