Chef and restaurateur Alain Ducasse brings a “back to basics” concept to his lauded Parisian restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, located in the equally luxurious five-star Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Working with Head Chef Christophe Saintagne, Ducasse has inspired a less-is-more attitude in his Michelin three-star restaurant. His goal is the simple yet artful preparation of the finest ingredients, bringing out the quintessential flavors of nature without filling the palette with the taste equivalent of white noise. To accomplish this feat, the chefs aim to prepare dishes with no more than three of the freshest ingredients. According to Ducasse, “Going ‘back to basics’ means refusing to demonstrate virtuosity for virtuosity’s sake in the kitchen.”

Monsieur Ducasse is known for trend-setting and innovation, and with 27 restaurants in 8 countries under his belt, he knows a thing or two about food. His specialty is contemporary French haute cuisine (the haute part refers not only to the quality of his craftsmanship but also the expensive prices of his masterpieces). “Back to basics” is built on four core concepts: taste, rare table settings, meticulous service, and haute couture décor.

Each season the “Back to Basics” team will present three dishes to the à la cart menu. Examples include langoustine tartare (prepared with only lime juice, salt and pepper) and fillet of beef (which is tied, inserted with slivers of bacon and truffle, seared to seal in its juices, and roasted to perfection).

Ducasse’s plan to bring simplicity to French cuisine does not mean he is going rustic. The restaurant displays rare table settings, such as original creations by designer Pierre Tachon and artisanal Japanese pieces by Shinichiro Ogata. The staff provides meticulous service while dressed in designer threads, and the Executive Head Sommelier Gérard Margeon chooses wines with care, highlighting a growing coterie of female vineyard owners. The restaurant itself showcases a few new artistic pieces by Patrick Jouin.

While this dining experience is not for the budget conscious, those with the means can indulge in Ducasse’s splurge-worthy, well-curated culinary extravaganza. A girl can dream, can’t she?

Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée is open for lunch Thursdays and Fridays (12:45 pm to 2:15 pm) and for dinner Monday to Friday (7:45 pm to 10:15 pm). Average price à la carte is 260€—not   including beverages. Rates at Hôtel Plaza Athénée start from 650€/night; 866-732-1106; www.plaza-athenee-paris.com.

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