Vivant Table was just “Vivant” during this visit in August 2012. Vivant Table has since closed, and Vivant Cave next door is now just “Vivant”. It’s all come full circle.
Vivant the wine bar serves natural wine and delicious small plates, and it is alive and kicking.
This is thus a reflection on the golden days of 2012, but a testament to Pierre Jancou’s cooking, among other things. So we’ll just let it live here. But still go to Vivant.
On an unexpected street
that was once an exotic bird shop
a mere 100 years ago
with the original tiles still on the walls, you will find Vivant.
Garth, that was a haiku.
I know it wasn’t actually a haiku, but it wasn’t in Wayne’s World, either.
Known for such delicious things. First and foremost, its attractive tattooed chef owner, Pierre Jancou.
(Pursing lips) Mm-hmm. Do you…do you see this? Did your eyes break? Oh I’m sorry, so you’re…hot, and you can cook (and bake), and you know all about wine? Well that’s not that attractive, I mean only if you like that sort of thing.
Did I mention that I actually changed my name to Julie “inexplicable obsession with chefs” Neis?
I copied that photo from his Instagram, and it shockingly only has 99 likes, 98 of which were from me.
If you can tear your eyes away for a moment, Vivant is also know for its delicious Italian-inspired French cuisine and natural wines. Excuse the terrible lighting.
Rabbit terrine
4 people, 4 different starters (smoked mozarella tartine, fresh legume salad, shaved parma ham, terrine), split 4 ways, to try everything. (My kind of people.)
Perfectly cooked milk-fed veal with summer vegetables, a giant portion
with a side of crispy buttery polenta
Heavenly rich creamy chocolate ganache with light-as-air meringue that I dream about nightly, garnished with sesame seeds
I will return, oh yes, I will return.
And marry Pierre.
2017 Update: Pierre Jancou sold both restaurants. You can find his beautiful tattooed arms at Achille.
We have not yet married.
