Quaint, Quintessential, Quality

In Paris’ Hotel de Ville area (they call it The Marais), off the beaten path, on the most tucked away street is the most delightful and quaint hotel, Le Grand Mazarin. There’s something about the ambience in the 14th century edifice that draws you in, from the purple uniforms of the staff, to the elegant patterns on fabric and the walls clashing with like-minded colors, and just the overall décor. Who knew Paris had such an artful escape. I had the most delightful time, a day experience in their wellness area on the lower level and an Ashkenazi lunch at Boubalé restaurant, two things you must absolutely try. 

Under the hotel brand Maisons Parientte, which takes great delight in art (there are over 500 pieces of art throughout the hotel), London based designer Martin Brudnzski from the MBDS Design Studio created the vibrancy of the hotel. But, it was French artisans and young people that gave way to the frescoes, lighting, and paintings throughout the hotel. With 61 rooms and suites, along with Le Bar de l’hôtel Grand Mazarin, the winter garden, Boubalé restaurant (Boubalé meaning my little darling in Yiddish), the pool, fitness room, and the Anne Cali treatment room which keeps you occupied while at the hotel.

I love a pool year-round, but as I walked into the pool room the first thing I noticed was not the water but the frescoes painted on the ceiling and columns by Jacques Merle, inspired by the imagination of Jean Cocteau. On its stone marquetry are enchanting and vibrant paintings. You feel as if you’re in the French Riviera or in the backyard of some sumptuous Italian villa. The pool, a little cold for my liking so I found refuge in the jacuzzi. You can easily spend 2 hours in the pool room taking a swim then lounging in one of the colorful chairs. Or, just sitting in the steam room is just as enticing and good for the health.

After a swim you’ll want to head upstairs to the Boubalé restaurant, where the staff is friendly and the food will exceed expectations. Prices are reasonable ranging from $9, while the average price for a starter is around $20, and mains average around $30. Not having researched the type of cuisine offered beforehand, I immediately knew there must be a Jewish-inspired palette when I saw Potato Latkes.

Led by Michelin-star Israeli chef Assaf Granit, the menu is inspired by his grandmother’s recipes. Start with the Challah bread. The knotted bread is known to be on every Shabbat table around the world. Coming in a round form, it’s served with fresh cream topped with tomatoes and olive oil. Why not have a cocktail if you don’t go for a glass of wine. The cocktail made from eggplant is most unique and worth a try. The Potato Latkas, one of several starters, are served in three with a yogurt sauce. The Herb Salad is made with coriander, parsley, grappe (a grape based brandy), almonds, and horseradish cream, while the Grave-Kaks of salmon, arak, dill, and pickled mustard are another starter item. There’s a beef, chicken, and vegetarian option for the mains, but I recommend the Agatha-Christie, which is Sea Brim fish, sabzi, topped with pine nuts and olives, served with a decadent yogurt sauce.

Challah, cocktail made with eggplant, potato latkes, the Agatha-Christie, and the Benimousse

There are four dessert options, but none as sensational as the Benimousse. Who knew chocolate mousse tasted so good? The mousse is topped with salt and olive oil. Absolutely divine, I tell you. If you can’t have a full portion because you’re engaged in Lamaze breathing due to the first 3 courses, not to fear, they can bring you 1 spoonful of mousse so there’s no excuse to not indulge.

There are a lot of hotels in Paris but this quaint one is one of the places to dine, and partake in its wellness offerings.