Restaurant Pavillon: A Crystal Palace Feast at the Paris Botanical Garden
Location and Spatial Narrative
Nestled within the historic complex of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris (Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris), this restaurant occupies a former royal botanical greenhouse built in 1833. It preserves its neoclassical cast-iron dome and 270-degree arched windows, while a 15-meter-high space is adorned with leaf-shaped crystal installations crafted by a French glass artist. Window-side seats overlook centuries-old herb fields in the medicinal plant garden, and an intelligent dimming system recreates the dappled moonlight filtering through rainforest canopies at night.
Ecological Gourmet Philosophy
The chef adheres to the concept of an "edible ecosystem":
- Collaborated with botanists to cultivate 38 types of exclusive herbs for the restaurant
- Cultivating microgreens using a bionically designed root irrigation system
- Weekly menu adjustments based on plant phenology
Greenhouse menu selection
- "Photosynthesis":
- Marinated yellow croaker with tomato sorbet and basil oil
- "Humus":
- Black truffle mille-feuille with porcini foam and Jerusalem artichoke puree
- "Pollination Plan":
- Elderflower Tempura with Honey Pollen Sauce
- "Symbiotic Relationship":
- Chocolate Log Cake with Moss-like Matcha Mousse
Immersive experience
- Before the meal, participate in a guided plant identification tour at the Herb Garden.
- Sommelier-recommended biodynamically produced "Greenhouse Series" wine
- Dessert course features a live carnivorous plant installation rising from the table