Tom Dixon design and plates by Eric Frechon of Le Bristol - Drugstore's new restaurant sets the bar high
Opened earlier this year, the 1960s Champs-Elysées icon now counts a brand-spanking new restaurant to its name. Restaurant Le Drugstore is as sleek as can be: both in terms of the Tom Dixon design; and menu, created by Eric Frechon - 3 Michelin-starred chef and head of the kitchen at Le Bristol. Not a shabby start...
If we're judging by looks, it's a large space but retains an air of exclusivity. The open plan marble kitchen, is the ultimate in cuisine confidence, boasting, "Come take a look..." And trusting Tom Dixon obviously assures a chic aesthetic.
The menu revisits the French classics - the perfect crisp millefeuille, a golden toasted Croque Monsieur, dainty finger sandwiches etc. Then there's the heavy hitters - a strip of Wagyu beef that disolves on the tongue, a rémoulade of smoked cauliflower and haddock with an irresistable crunchy/soft texture and bursts with flavour. To finish, a sexpot of a dessert - a giant gooey meringue with a zingy berry confit.
OK it's a bit on the expensive side, but the quality is yards better than some of its lack-lustre neighbours.
And, like the shopping section, Le Drugstore has late opening hours. Lunch, from 12pm to 2.30pm and dinner, from 7pm to 11.30pm. Whether you're on the Champs craving a 10pm burger or need the latest coffee table book.
