No need to introduce the Balagan, on Rue d’Alger, where all the inside-track Israelis of Paris have been gathering since its opening. From the fashion crowd to trendy families, here, everyone is elegant, even the little girls sweetly nibbling on their Kubaneh bread (a version of Yemenite brioche). Balagan (littéralement “The Joyful Mess”), is the result of the off-beat association between l’Expérimental and the star chefs of Jérusalem, Asaf Granit and Uri Navon.
The place
No need to introduce the Balagan, on Rue d’Alger, where all the inside-track Israelis of Paris have been gathering since its opening. From the fashion crowd to trendy families, here, everyone is elegant, even the little girls sweetly nibbling on their Kubaneh bread (a version of Yemenite brioche). Balagan (littéralement “The Joyful Mess”), is the result of the off-beat association between l’Expérimental and the star chefs of Jérusalem, Asaf Granit and Uri Navon.
Hurray: this cult venue of Mediterranean gastronomy is now offering the most generous and addictive brunch of the capital. All in a highly wired ambiance and an all-blue and brass decor imagined by the gang’s architect, the talented Dorothée Meilichzon.
On the gourmet programme
A wide array of mezzes land on the table without having to choose: cream of sesame, small salads of carrots/ tomatoes / cucumbers, labneh…), escorted by fresh juices. Then arrive a flood of Med dishes: chakchouka, Ashkenazi chicken liver, an amazing hamin (kind of ragù whose slow cooking method respect the rites of Shabbat). And since you are here to eat until you are no longer hungry, there is more on the buffet: sweet/sour chicken tajine-style, whole grilled eggplant cauliflower, tortilla of veggies and mushrooms, cheese, salmon infused with ginger, feta mozzarella cake.
For dessert, special kudos for the malabi (a sort of panna cotta with rose water and pistachio), the strawberry cheesecake of Jerusalem presented in a jar, gingerbread that melts in the mouth, a lemon cake, as well as the mufleta, a Sephardic pancake to be spread with butter and honey using a rosemary branch as spoon. Did you say diet ?
The added plus
All this profusion for €40 is really worth a menorah. In addition, the smiling staff welcomes you like family and makes you feel like staying all day long, settled in comfy velvet chairs and Oriental-style banquettes. What an ambiance !
Practical information: 40 € per person, softs drinks and warms beverages included. Reservations highly suggested.
Also discover why the Balagan restaurant is the most trendy in Paris and a €20 brunch at the Gourbi Palace.
