Paris bistro Chez L’Ami Jean tops Getaway Girls founder Nancy K’s favorite places to dine.
Fashion is what draws the world’s most stylish women to Paris. But once they get there, it’s the food they’re going to find equally irresistible. Just ask personal stylist and shopping expert Nancy K. No trip to her favorite city would be complete without a visit to her bistro-of-choice, Chez L’Ami Jean. Under the helm of owner and Chef Stéphane Jégo, the renowned (and immensely popular) eatery is known for authentic Basque fare that never fails to surprise and delight.
“I had the good fortune to stumble upon this gem,” she says. “As with most Parisian restaurants, the tables are close together, but that only adds to the charm.” An open kitchen, red benches, varnished wood floors and exposed brick walls add to the ambience. “It’s almost like sitting at a communal table. And what you’re about to share is a meal worthy of the most upscale, white-linen French dining establishments.”
On Nancy’s last visit, it was a memorable, multi-course prix fix meal. “Each dish was beautifully presented; every flavor, rich and intense.” Offerings included a soup (“so creamy and delicious, it could have passed for dessert”), a fish selection, a meat course and the grand finale—meringues and berries. “It was fabulous. Nothing was standard fare.”
On any given night, options might include razor clams, mackerel, sweetbreads, wild hare, roasted quail breast or seared scallops. Among the bistro’s signature dishes are a Parmesan soup—a vibrant combination of dried onion, bacon and crunchy croutons topped with creamy liquid cheese—and the chef’s acclaimed rice pudding, a delectable concoction of rice, caramel, pistachio nuts, toasted hazelnuts and dried honeyed apricots. As for wines, it’s best to let the restaurant’s knowledgeable staff guide you through the extensive list.
Specials change daily, based on the season and what’s freshest at the market. As part of Nancy’s 2020 Getaway Girls Parisian trip this June, she’s arranged for Chef Jego to prepare a custom, four-course menu on the final evening. “I couldn’t imagine a better ending to a week packed with the very best shopping, dining and sightseeing Paris has to offer. It’s an absolute honor to be able to introduce my clients to the extraordinary people and places I’ve encountered throughout my travels.”
This year’s 2020 Getaway Girls Trip—the ultimate Parisian shopping experience hosted and curated by expert personal stylist and shopper Nancy K—is scheduled for June 16th thought 21st. For information: nkbuyrequest.com
With a comprehensive background in fashion, beauty, food service and interiors—including Stanley Korshak, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Mary Kay, Stephan Pyles and the Horchow Collection—Elaine Raffel has hands-on and management experience in literally every phase of the creative process. With a background spanning multiple channels (retail, direct selling, digital and business-to-business), her client list includes major fashion and beauty brands, restaurants, realtors, agencies and non-profits. In addition, Elaine’s work has appeared in both the print and digital editions of D Magazine; Patron Magazine; Modern Luxury Dallas, Weddings and Interiors; and CandysDirt.com.
