Les Chouettes restaurant, the hidden bistronomic nugget in an unusual setting

Bye bye the Grand Duc, Les Chouettes restaurant is back in this historic building. In a unique space under an Eiffel glass roof, you'll enjoy finely-crafted, gourmet French brasserie cuisine. Just a stone's throw from the Carreau du Temple.

For a while, it was the Grand Duc, but now the Chouettes have migrated and returned to their original location at 32 rue de Picardie. Located opposite the Carreau du Temple, this gourmet spot has a lot going for it. We take you on a (re)discovery tour.

Inside, the restaurant surprises with its three-storey high ceilings and magnificent Eiffel structure. We're told that this was the former Eiffel workshop where the casts used to make the Statue of Liberty offered to the Americans were made, a story that remains to be proven. With its metal beams and large glass roof, this place reveals its workshop past, typical of the mixed economy, crafts and industry of this district.

In the 1880s, the building belonged to Victor Prat, engraver, printer and mechanic. Founded in 1802, his company manufactured "galleries, boxes and primers for gold and steel jewelry", and was awarded gold and silver medals at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889. Louis Peschard's leather goods business, specializing in wallets, cigars and framed cigarettes, was also located at this address. The business was handed over to the Peschard sons in 1903.

In April 1901, the building was sold at auction. The engraving and printing business continued on site. In 1913, the Prat family joined forces with a certain Robert Joseph, who was still present in the 1950s, without the Prats, for costume jewelry. One thing led to another, and the premises took on many functions. For 8 years, it was even a cyber café, before becoming a restaurant where you can admire the space bathed in light from its 20-metre-high glass roof.

Another attraction of 32, rue de Picardie lies in its foundations. Of the Templar Order's prestigious Temple estate, only a few underground foundations remain, including the vestige of a corner tower still standing. It's in this place, full of anecdotes, that we come to savor elegantly prepared bistronomic cuisine.

The menu focuses on fresh, local, seasonal produce. The menu oscillates between comforting and generous dishes. Creations such as "Ravioles de Royan au gratin à la crème de truffe", "Poêlée de Saint-Jacques avec son risotto de poireaux sauce safran", "Quasi de veau aux morilles avec purée de pommes de terre", and "Millefeuille aux fruits rouges et pistaches caramélisées". Every lunchtime, from Monday to Friday, you can enjoy an affordable menu of the day from €22 starter+main course or main course+dessert, or €29 for the whole meal.

For our part, we were seduced by the unmissable plump Escargots de Bourgogne and the Carpaccio of sea bream with ginger and passion fruit. The portion is generous and the sea bream melts in the mouth.

As for the main course, there's nothing like a good, melt-in-the-mouth veal blanquette and a beautiful pan-fried scallops on a bed of leeks, enhanced by the shimmering colors of saffron.

Special mention for the desserts, which are well worth the detour. On the day of our visit, we chose the tarte tatin from the daily menu and the gourmet red fruit millefeuille. Generous, yet light, it's easy to gobble up in no time.

The restaurant's upstairs duo seating makes it the ideal place for dates and lovers alike. As an added bonus, the restaurant is open continuously from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., so we can relax at any time. The spot also offers a privatization option in its exclusive setting, ideal for celebrating special occasions. Whether it's for an intimate dinner, a family reunion or a business event, the atypical location, complemented by its cocktail bar and tasting cellar, is sure to please.

Before you leave, don't miss a visit to the uniquely designed toilets. Surprise guaranteed!

Here's a great address that never ceases to surprise.