Madame Shawn

So there is a newby on rue Paul Bert! For those not familiar with the street I'd like to give some piece of information. It is located in the up and coming 11th, right in between Bastille and Nation, a stone throw away from the famous marche d'Aligre. I mention the market as it is a supplier for the restaurants of the street and there are several! Rue Paul Bert was elected gastro street of Paris as it is filled with typical french bistros and cozy restaurants. Cyril Liniac (famous French chef making regular appearances on tv) opened his bakery there which keeps drawing Parisians from all arrondissement. 

As I opened December's edition of the Air France magazine i was quiet surprise to find that they were reviewing a neigboring restaurant and not the usual touristy venues. Funny how you can discover more about where you live 6000 feet from the ground and 3000 miles from home.

I rushed there as soon as I got the chance. A regular Monday lunch time the place was absolutely packed. I first wondered what could explain the crowd; was it the press the restaurant was getting? the fact that some restaurant nearby are shut on Mondays? The food and the atmosphere put an end to my speculations. 

I love the feminine touch the owner brought to the place. Nice warm fabrics, swanky lamps, light wood flooring, sophisticated chairs, colourful cushions, if I had to define the style I would say that Madame Shawn is an example of Asian and Scandinavian fusion, with the best of both worlds of course!

Part of my wariness was induced by the price of the menu. Can you still get a decent dish and glass of wine for 14 euros in Paris? It turns out you can! The food was fresh delicate and served in sufficient portions with all the coconut and spicy flavors you would expect but more refined, with an elegant twist.

Madame Shawn managed to serve high quality Thai food, in filling portions at an affordable price Restaurant approved! Definitely up to the street's standards.