Food, Poetry, showmanship and expertise

Some distinguished signatures take the art of gastronomy to new heights. All the big names in French cuisine have a Paris address: reinvention of traditional dishes; fusion of herbs and spices, both savoury and sweet; innovation and a touch of genius are the main ingredients at these celebrated venues. Ambassadors of French cuisine, the top starred chefs, ranked in the food guides, will receive you in their domains, where the setting is often as spectacular as the bill. If dinner there is beyond you, why not try their lunch menus, somewhat easier on the pocket but usually taken by storm! Advance booking is essential, at least a fortnight before.

AMBASSADEURS (LES), 10, place de la Concorde 75008 PARIS.  Specialties:  Traditional .Seasonal menus. "Egg blancmange with black truffles"; calves' sweetbreads and spaghetti carbonara; "biberon" lamb in curry and coconut; beetroot foie gras; scallops St Jacques and leek vinaigrette; candy-floss with wild strawberries. Practical information: Subway : Concorde, RER : A - Auber, telephone number : 01 44 71 16 16, ax : 01 44 71 15 02, mailrestaurants@crillon.com, www.crillon.com

BRISTOL (LE).112, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré 75008 PARIS.  Specialties: Traditional. Macaroni stuffed with artichoke, truffle and foie gras de canard with parmesan cheese. Bresse fattened chicken flavoured with wine from the Jura region, garden peas, pie in salad and grilled foie gras. Dark chocolate zabaglione, hazelnuts in nougat, caramel with spices and Bourbon vanilla ice-cream. Practical information: Subway : Miromesnil, RER : A- Auber, elephone number : 01 53 43 43 00, ax : 01 53 43 43 01, mail : resa@lebristolparis.com