Paris: Les Enfants Du Marché

“Mika” Grosman’s family owned a legendary celeb hotspot on a beach in Nice for decades – so trust me, Mika knows how to host a party.  But when he told me he was taking over a stand in an open-air tourist market, I admit I was worried. Then he brought in kick a** kitchen equipment, serious stemware, natural wines and Chef Shunta Susuki (Maison Sota). PLUS, a late night music license? It exploded, overnight. Then, challenge. People saw a Jimmy Buffett concert vibe, ate incredible Michelin-level food, drank natural wines and said “Its expensive.” In my DREAMS I could eat & drink at this level with a conga line parade dancing behind me. That said, invite a group of friends for family-style portions served in cast iron skillets, bring a lot of patience, order as much as you can handle from the chalkboard menus and stay a while. Shunta Susuki changes the menu every, single, day. Early risers will see huge whole St. Jean du Luz tuna, 3-kilo Brittany blue lobsters and baskets of fresh vegetables delivered direct from farmers, fisherman and hunters. Thirsty? Just tell Mika the style of wine that you like (white, dry, red, fruity, light, heavy, spicy) and he’ll find the perfect bottle for you. Don’t be surprised if you’re sitting next to the farmer, fisherman or wine grower… or me.