Established in spring 2015 at the heart of Drouot, Paris’s main auction house, L’Adjugé is a vision of glass and modernity in the middle of a vintage gem. A black and gold backdrop, with art deco detailing, is designed by Erwan Boulloud, a graduate from one of Paris’s finest design schools. High stools are slipped under a splendid bar and a sanded wall of golden waves make this bar-restaurant chic and welcoming. Dishes, served by sincere and friendly waiters, are created by Chef Amandine Chaignot.
After inhaling a truffle croque monsieur, with spring leaves and fresh herbs (€18), we spy the €25 brunch – to be saved for special occasions perhaps. Served on a wooden board piled high with a vast selection of the menu; boiled eggs, diced vegetables and creamed corn, a deconstructed Caesar salad and a chocolate-coconut mousse and a procession of mini-madeleines. Perfect with a freshly squeezed orange juice and a black smoky Lapsang Souchong to wake the senses.
Sadly, the Angus beef was more blue than we would have liked, which is a shame because the new potatoes and roasted shallots on the side were superb. But at €24, the mistake with the cooking is not something we can ignore.
So are we sold on L’Adjugé? Yes, but with a few reserves.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE