Molecular cuisine in Paris

The term was coined in 1988 by Hungarian physicist Nicholas Kurti and French chemist Hervé This, both vocal advocates of applying modern science to culinary problems.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the term started to be used for a new style of cooking that was unafraid to explore the possibilities of food scientifically. It was used to describe the cooking methods of a number of famous chefs, although several have subsequently repudiated the idea of molecular gastronomy, and say that their cooking is instead a search for excellence.
Here is a selection of restaurant in Paris using this type of cuisine:
- Pierre Gagnaire is a well known French chef, and is the Head Chef and owner of the eponymous Pierre Gagnaire restaurant at 6 rue Balzac in Paris. Gagnaire is an iconoclastic chef who was at the forefront of the fusion movement. His goal for his cooking is to have a lively cuisine which takes risks while respecting the past.
- Léna et Mimile Hervé This’s work is very well applied in this restaurant. Few examples : Velouté chaud de navets de Croissy, émulsion de thé noir -, carotte demi-longue de Guérande cuite à la vapeur, sauce confortable aux fanes de carottes - fondant de joue de bœuf, pommes soufflées… This restaurant looks very « normal » and usual considering its location (Rue Mouffetard) but don’t get fooled by looking at the exterior, the real surprises are in your plates. Bon appetit!
- Les Magnolias and its great chef Jean Chauve is not located in Paris but in the 94 department : Val-de-Marne. Quiet and tranquil small town of Péreux, The Magnolias masters in creativity and originality. The ambiance is classy but not too much and the various dishes will stimulate your taste buds. The restaurant is regularly fully-booked so make sure you call before coming.
- Cooking class with Anne Cazor, engineer in the food-industry and doctor in biotechnology. She will tell you all the “grand chefs” secrets, the ones that innovate and surprise with molecular gastronomy. The next class is on November 16th.

Thank you to angelcore for his photo.