A Truffle Dream in the Heart of Paris

Bonjour from Paris!

Josh and I recently had the most enchanting culinary experience at a hidden gem tucked away in the historic heart of the city: Un Jour de Peyrassol. Located at 13 Rue Vivienne, just a stone's throw from Metro Bourse, this petite restaurant is a true Parisian treasure. The sign on the door "Bar á truffles" had caught my eye on an earlier walk around the city and Josh surprised me with a reservation that night.

Truffles have a unique and often polarizing flavor...they are savory, earthy and pungent. It was a treat to eat slices of this freshly shaved tuber melanosporum funghi!

What made this dining experience so unique? Every single dish was infused with the rich, earthy aroma of locally sourced truffles. They come from the southern region of Provence.

Imagine: creamy gnocchi, decadent risotto, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and even a classic crème brûlée, all elevated by the magic of these exquisite fungi.

Here's the mozzarela di buffalo with shaved tuber melanosporum, also called Black Truffle. Each truffle can take 10 years to grow and requires highly trained pigs and hounds to find them!

It wasn't just a meal; it was an education. We learned about the different varieties of French truffles and how their flavors vary depending on their origin and season. Our server, a transplant to Paris from Bulgaria, invited us to smell several varieties from a glass bell jar before we ordered our meals. It was fascinating to discover the nuances of this culinary delicacy, and how it can transform even the simplest dish into something extraordinary!

Despite their similar appearances, the varieties had their own distinct fragrances!

The restaurant itself is steeped in history, adding to the romantic and intimate atmosphere. Their emblem is the iconic red cross of the Knights Templar, which I recall fondly from my walk along the Camino de Santiago where the knights once protected pilgrims. What's even more special is the restaurant's connection to the Commanderie de Peyrassol, a vineyard founded in the 13th Century by the Knights Templar in the south of France, ensuring the freshest and most authentic ingredients. You can even stay overnight as a guest! And to top it all off, we had the pleasure of watching our meal being prepared by the chef right before our eyes, adding a personal touch to the whole experience. You can check out their epic culinary photos on Instagram here.

Many Parisian restaurants include a historic cellar or "cave" beneath the main dining area and Un Jour de Peyrassol had a beautiful area of their own.

From the first bite to the last, Un Jour de Peyrassol was a symphony of flavors. It was a truly unforgettable evening, a testament to the magic that happens when history, passion, and the finest ingredients come together. If you're ever in Paris and looking for a truly special dining experience, I can't recommend Un Jour de Peyrassol enough. It's a petite, romantic, and utterly delightful culinary journey. À bientôt, Paris!

Freshly shaved truffles atop a bed of creamy handmade gnocchi. This is their signature dish!