Quite simply Paris is my favourite city.  I love the history, the art, the food, the people and now I love O Chateau.  I first read about this restaurant/wine tasting venue on David Lebovitz’s blog http://www.davidlebovitz.com – a brilliant foodies guide to Paris and filled with delicious recipes; and decided we had to go there on our Christmas trip.

O Chateau is not far from the Louvre on the rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a pleasant street in the 1st arrondissement.  The building itself is full of history – built in the mid 17th century, it was originally called the Hôtel Dupin and was frequented by Jean-Jacques Rousseau himself.

There is a choice of two menus – the Retour du marché – a three course set menu which is currently priced at 32 euros or the Tasting menu which includes the same food as the Retour du marché but includes a glass of champagne and three glasses of wine matched to each course (currently priced at 65 euros).  The food sounded very simple and at first I was a bit disappointed but what arrived was perfectly cooked and full of flavour.  And my husband would like me to mention the bread which he thought was delicious.

(A quick apology – on the way home I managed to lose the scrap of paper with the names of the wines on.  I remembered the last two, but for the life of me can’t remember the first so unless a bolt of inspiration hits me I will have to leave the descriptions as they are.  Sorry.)

Starter

Scallops with avocado puree

Saumur Chenin Blanc – a good match.  The chenin blanc was light and minerally with hints of apple.  A good match with the scallops.

Main

Roast chicken with creamy fusilli and courgette

red Burgundy – this was the only one of the three that I felt didn’t complement the food as well as it could have.  The oak was slightly overpowering and tannins a little too gripy.

Dessert

Pear tart with vanilla ice-cream

Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu 3 puttonoyos 2003 – this was a really good match; it was complex with notes of honey, apricot and pear, thick and luscious with a good balance of acidity and sweetness that complemented the dessert well.

Then there was the treat to end the evening with – a glass of Château d’Yquem 1998.  OK it was a tiny glass (3cl) and it still cost a fortune – but it was delicious. In comparison with the big, blowsy Tokaji I had just had with the pear tart it was smooth and subtle, it had delicate honey and tropical fruit notes and the sweetness was balanced with the acidity.  A fantastic way to finish the night and a great memory.

O Chateau offer a variety of wines in three different glass sizes (3cl, 10cl and 15cl) – allowing you to adjust the size to your wallet.  As well as evening meals O Chateau also offer a variety of tasting events either at the restaurant or on river cruises on the Seine.

O Chateau is great experience, set in a lovely venue with a relaxed atmosphere.  One word of caution – leave the credit card at home or you may get carried away – just a little glass of Château Pétrus 1979 or a tipple of Dom Pérignon 2002…