Le Cinq (Paris, France) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Alexander The Guest

AI-Generated Summary: Alexander The Guest’s Le Cinq Restaurant Review Video

Alexander The Guest visits Le Cinq, located within the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, he dives deep into the luxurious experience of dining at this three Michelin-star restaurant. Alexander highly recommends Le Cinq not only for its three-star Michelin cuisine but also for the unique, memorable service that creates an inviting, joyful experience in a luxury setting.

Restaurant Background & Setting

• Le Cinq opened in 2001 under Chef Philippe Legendre, quickly earning three Michelin stars, though it briefly lost one before regaining its third star in 2016 with Chef Christian Le Squer at the helm.
• Alexander emphasizes the luxury and elegance of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, with its rich history and high-end ambiance. The hotel is known for its lavish flower arrangements, said to have a monthly budget of 50,000 euros.

The Dining Experience

1. Wine Selection:
   • Alexander is impressed by Le Cinq’s wine cellar, which holds over 50,000 bottles, including rare vintages like a Madeira from 1792.
   • He selects a 2014 Coche-Dury Meursault for 520 euros, which he describes as a bargain compared to its usual price of over 1200 euros. This wine has flavors of butter, almonds, hazelnuts, and citrus, showcasing the sommelier’s professional approach without upselling.
2. First Course – Dublin Bay Prawn with Buckwheat Pancake:
   • The dish is covered in a frothy cream of mayonnaise and mustard, which Alexander finds perfectly balanced, calling it a “one-way ticket to heaven” and praising its simplicity and brilliance.
3. Second Course – Line-fished Sea Bass with Caviar and Buttermilk:
   • Though Alexander enjoys the dish’s sweet, milky flavors balanced with salty caviar, he mentions it didn’t blow him away, but the portion size and flavor were substantial.
4. Third Course – Gratinated Onions (Contemporary Parisian Style):
   • This dish, reminiscent of French onion soup, triggers nostalgic memories for Alexander, bringing back feelings from his childhood.
5. Fourth Course – Standing Spaghetti Gratin:
   • Made with ham, porcini mushrooms, parmesan, and mushroom truffle sauce, this signature dish by Chef Le Squer stands out for its rich, harmonious flavors.
6. Fifth Course – Lightly Smoked Eel in Red Wine Sauce:
   • Though eel isn’t a favorite of his, Alexander enjoys the sharp flavors and appreciates the dish’s modern, geometric presentation.
7. Sixth Course (A La Carte) – Sweetbread:
   • Alexander orders this extra dish from the a la carte menu for 120 euros. He describes it as tender and succulent with a slightly roasted top and rich buttery flavor, one of his favorite dishes.

Desserts

1. Yeast Ice Cream:
   • This unique dessert surprises Alexander with its sourdough-like, fermented taste, which he finds creamy and delicious, noting the modern art-like presentation.
2. Crunch Grapefruit:
   • A layered dessert with preserved and raw grapefruit and sorbet, it delivers a strong, acidic punch.
3. Iced Dark Chocolate with Roasted Peanuts and Carambar:
   • A playful dessert using traditional Carambar candy, it blends peanuts and dark chocolate for a nostalgic yet innovative flavor profile.
4. Chocolate Trolley:
   • Le Cinq offers a trolley filled with various types of chocolate, though Alexander, full by this point, opts to skip this indulgence.

Service & Overall Impressions

• Service at Le Cinq is impeccable, blending formal luxury with warmth and humor. Alexander shares moments like the sommelier’s lighthearted “Usain Bolt” victory pose, which added a touch of fun to the high-end experience.
• He concludes that the meal, priced at 530 euros (with an updated price of 590 euros), is worth the splurge, highlighting the perfect balance of luxury and heartwarming service, making Le Cinq a standout restaurant.