If you haven\u2019t heard of Le Train Bleu, or glimpsed it when passing through Gare de Lyon, then you are missing out on a key piece of Parisian history, as well as a fantastic meal. It oozes opulence with its heavily painted ceilings, designed to reflect different regions and towns of France, painted initially for the Exposition Universelle (1900).<\/p>\n
Suitably indulgent, Le Train Bleu offer three formulas, for an express lunch there is the \u201ctravellers menu,\u201d though there are only two dishes to choose from (\u20ac45); for a little more you can choose the arts menu (\u20ac65) which provides a small selection of the three courses and finally the most luxurious- the Train Bleu menu (\u20ac110) which I of course opted for. Though do read the menu online in advance because there are no options. You can of course order from the menu, but I fancied a little excitement in my meal.<\/p>\n
All of the courses were fantastic, beautifully presented and interesting with their flavours. I requested an alternative to the foie gras which was graciously replaced by the oeuf parfait, which was indeed perfect. My only fault with the food was that I struggled to finish. I finally ended the meal with the \u201ccaf\u00e9 gourmand\u201d (normally a coffee served with a selection of mini desserts), but with a lapsang souchong tea instead.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for a dinner to remember, in a truly astonishing setting, Le Train Bleu is the place to go. I dined alone, and for me it is a sign of a good establishment if you are made to feel equally at home and welcome. I had brought a book with me, but with so much to look at and so much to enjoy, I barely picked it up.<\/p>\n
Address: In Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris<\/p>\n
Metro: Gare de Lyon, M1, 14, RER A, D<\/p>\n
Open: 11:30 to 14:45 and 19:00 to 22:45 daily<\/p>\n
Phone: 01 43 43 09 06<\/p>\n