There are 6360 restaurants in Paris. But there is only one that lays claim to the throne of the Trocadéro. There, seated at the right hand of arguably the most recognizable monument in the world, is the Café de l'Homme.
It would be easy to choose to stop in at the Cafe to warm up or cool down, depending on the season, after a session of sightseeing. But it's not really that kind of cafe. Indeed, it's not at all a cafe, not even in the French "brasserie" sort of way. It's a full-on restaurant.
Just slightly at arm's length, despite its famous address, it is a restaurant that is easily overlooked. You reach the Café de l'Homme by entering through the same monumentally sized doors as you do for the Musée de l'Homme. This is probably why it took me a bit of time to brave the experience.
But once inside, I realized that the Cafe' is completely independent from the Museum and neither are places that are even remotely intimidating. The Café de l'Homme's actual entrance is shielded by a floor length dark olive velvet curtain that the Butler/Coat Checker and the Maitre d' keep firmly shut to keep in the warmth.
Once through the olive emerald veil, the red warmth with tones of leather couches and sparkling wine glasses, greets you. That's if you can peel your eyes away from the straight-shot view of the Eiffel Tower.
It would be lovely to be able to order a drink at the bar as you await your dinner mates, but, alas, the Maitre d' will fussily try to seat you straightaway or usher you back outside into the cold hallway to wait. Not exactly overabundant in the art of graciousness. There is a couch-loungey seated area off to the far left of the dining room where you can share drinks with friends. It seats one group. Only.
All snootiness is forgotten however once your meal is served. Appetizers include choices of Riquette salad with parmesan shavings and pine nut kernels; Tuna belly with Basque Country lettuce hearts; and even King Crab salad.
For the main dish the Grilled Iberico Pluma (pig) marinated in ginger is tender, sweet and spicy; the roast French Rack of Lamb with Terragon sauce is a classic; and if you want steak, they serve a 200 gr. Fillet. It's not cheap: the main courses start at 23 Euros, and quickly average at around 32 Euros.
Remember, you are paying for the view. When you think about it, those across the river who are dining at Jules Verne and looking down at you don't even have the view that you do. And you didn't even have to take an elevator to get where you are.
Reservations are definitely recommended. The dining room might have some empty seats at 7:30 but by 8:00 they will all be filled. Leave room for dessert. They do the chocolate molten cake pretty well, but their Strawberry soup with Sichuan pepper and organic vanilla cream is interesting enough of a blend of flavors to have to try. They also serve a satisfying plate of A.O.C. cheeses.
Café de l'Homme. Come for the view. Stay for the food!
Restaurant Café de l'Homme - 17 Place du Trocadéro, Musée de l'Homme - Paris XVIe - Tel : +00 33 (0)1 44 05 30 15
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