The Grain Market Restaurant (Halle aux grains) at the Stock Exchange Museum

For years – I promised myself that one day I would dine at the table of the famous chef, crowned with stars and awards – Michel Brass…

I read with avidity about his worship of nature, herbs, vegetables, flowers – a trait that has long amazed the greatest food critics and chefs. I was moved by the connection of his cuisine – to the landscape of his birth and the nature of the Aubrac region, to the manners of the rural farmers living in the area, and especially by the fact that he brought the famous knife factory (Layol) to Ness in his restaurants.

But the years passed and Lyol, where his famous restaurant is located, simply slipped off the map of my many trips toAcross France.
Then came the long-awaited Parisian opportunity – which combined 2 extraordinary and fascinating experiences:

Visit to the building – the Bourse de Commerce Museum

The stock exchange, that historic site in the heart of Paris (the former Halle Market area), which embraces centuries of fascinating historical transformations that have caused changes in its use, function and unique architectural appearance (Convent of the Penitents, Mimi Palace) Catherine de Medici, aristocratic mansion, stock exchange, wheat exchange, trading exchange) …

The same building recently became a modern art museum (displaying a collection by François Pinault) and boasts an innovative, bold, and breathtaking architectural adaptation by Tadao Ando (Japanese), who miraculously preserved the charm of the old structure - with the constraints dictated by a modern museum building.

Dinner with chefs Michel and Sebastien Brass at the “Grain Market” restaurant

The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Bourse de Commerce. The historical building’s past and its time as a stock exchange – a wheat and grain market – dictated the gastronomic concept for the Brass chefs (Michel the elder and his son Sebastien).

Grains – (wheat, barley, rye, millet, spelt, quinoa, oats, and more) have become a starting point, and appear as the second thread in all dishes throughout the entire meal.

It is important to emphasize that the grains do not constitute the center of the dish – but rather a background: they emphasize, decorate, beautify, beautify and add flavor, shape and color – to the main basic products that appear in each dish.

My enjoyment of the tasting meal at noon – was perfect!!!

The grayish decor – airy and not oppressive, the incredibly delicious dishes (in the photos), the waiters' explanations given in detail and with grace as they point out each ingredient and, most importantly, emphasize the fact that the cutlery is changed between courses – except for the mythical Lyol ​​knife, which accompanies the entire meal out of respect and homage to those knives created in the chef's homeland. All of this constituted a complete celebration.

And the location, Mon Dia!

The panoramic view of the Church of Saint-Eustache (the Church of the Market People), which is currently being renovated (seen in the photo), the legendary Pied des Cauchon restaurant, the new canopy of the The Hall Center, Nelson Mandela Gardens – and the bold coloration of Center Pompidou – All of these enhanced the gastronomic experience and gave it added value.

Note: 5-course tasting meal at noon – now costs 88 euros per person.

Important information about the Halle aux grains restaurant

Address

2 Rue de Viarmes. You can get there by metro LES HALLES (line 4) or LOUVRE RIVOLI (line number 1).

Opening days and hours

Tuesday: 19:00 PM to midnight

The rest of the days: 12:00 PM to midnight

Restaurant website

To make a reservation or receive more information about the restaurant, please visitLink thisYou can find the restaurant menu here. HERE.

If you would like to better understand the building in which the restaurant is located, you are welcome to read the article:

The Bourse de Commodities – A journey from the 16th century to Paris’ most talked-about modern art museum