Maceo

In the exquisite Palais Royal district of Paris this spacious and elegant restaurant takes its name from the living Jazz legend. Rare is it in Paris where gastronomic casual dining can be enjoyed with such generosity and room to breathe. The view from the tables on the slightly elevated dais is also singular - it affords a straight shot onto the gardens of the Palais Royal, the same where Louis XIV learned to ride a horse and where the famous French woman of letters, Colette, once lived. Though owner Mark Williamson likes to call his restaurant a sort of a bistro, the menu and, of course the wine selection (his is also the iconic next-door wine bar,Willi's) say otherwise. Chef Rodier trained under the chef at Laurent, a Paris restaurant known for its presidents and other lofty dignitaries who dine there. This acquired finesse, elegance and creativity came with the young chef over to Maceo where deer served with oyster mushrooms, scallops served on a slightly sweet (naturally) puree of jerusalem artichokes or cod servd bouillabaisse style is just a sampling of what you'll find on the lunch or dinner menu.