Paris PopUP Restaurant Review

Their adventure began in Paris itself where they would be invited into established restaurants and offer their locally sourced menu to lucky guests and friends on free nights granted by generous restaurant owners.

In 2015 the restaurant completed a 2-month stint in Arles and because of popular demand in 2016 the restaurant are extending their stay and providing culinary delights up until 2nd of October.

On this sunny afternoon I decided to sit in the canopied terrasse located in the centre of Place du Forum, favouring this over inside the beautifully old-fashioned wine bar which is housed along the side street of Nord-Pinus Hotel. Place du Forum is a bustling hub of restaurants and cafés with sun streaming down between the canopies and set to a pleasant hum of conversation.

The menu of Paris Pop-Up changes weekly. The ingredients used depends on what the owners can source locally; adding to the exclusivity of the restaurant and it will leave you wanting to try all of the options on the menu each week.

To start I ordered white asparagus, smoked fera fish with hazelnuts and lemon powder and a glass of white wine recommended for the meal by Laura, the in-residence wine connoisseur. The fresh and salty fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly and the creative, creamy sauce was an impeccable accompaniment.

The service was prompt and the character of the staff was amazing; always taking time to explain the essence of the restaurant and the menu in detail and making everyone feel welcome. The staff had all been working for the owners of Paris Pop-Up in other cities and they share the same outlook and philosophy regarding what the culinary experience can, and should be.

The only thing I can even vaguely complain about is that I would have liked more time between my starter and main; although that is probably my fault because I spent so much time savouring the starter that the main probably lay in wait for me. The main I decided on was beef from the Ferme de Clavisy matured for 50 days and served with shiitake mushrooms, miso and garlic puree.

I’m a sucker for shiitake mushrooms so anytime I see them on a menu I will more often than not order them; and I was not disappointed. From glancing around the other restaurants that operate in the same area I had no food-envy towards anything else being served. Paris Pop-Up had by far the most succulent, creative and delicately prepared plates.

I had green-tea to finish with served in an ornate clay pot. I didn’t particularly want the tea, but I also didn’t feel ready to leave this atmosphere yet, so I stayed a while longer and relaxed.

The restaurateurs have plans to travel further around the world, with Beijing being a new possibility for them to launch another Pop-Up in the future. I would almost consider jumping on a flight to taste what they would come up with in Beijing if they did. However, for now I am delighted to have sampled such delicious, creative and locally sourced fayre in Arles.

I highly recommend that during the summer months, if you have the opportunity, Paris Pop-Up in Nord-Pinus Hotel is an absolute must go.

Paris Pop-Up has been running in Arles from Aprill 27th and will close up on October 2nd 2016. Get there while you can. Their business hours for lunch are from Thursday to Sunday from 1230 to 1500 and for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 1930 to 2300.

The delicious & ever changing menu has fixed prices of €32 for Starter & Main or Main & Dessert or €36 for Starter, Main & Dessert. Tapas and Sharing menus are also available.