Milla’s Paris: Lunch at Camélia at the Mandarin Oriental
Post-shopping with a friend, we decided to stop off for a spot of lunch at one of Paris’ finest hotels, the Mandarin Oriental on Rue Saint-Honoré. Camélia welcomed us with a delectable dessert counter and we almost went skipped the savoury stuff but thank the heavens, we came to our senses. The cannelloni stuffed with butternut squash (served with a green salad) was utter perfection and if you ever saw how we were eating: so slowly, savouring every mouthful as we ate in silence. Seriously, using one’s mouth to talk would have detracted from eating and no can do! I never order pasta in a restaurant because other than spaghetti with a tomato sauce, I’m not a big fan, but this was delicious. The butternut squash was cooked with a wee crunch, the pasta al dente and the sauce light in texture and rich in flavour. They also have the best salted butter in Paris. Do they make it? How? Hallelujah for Camélia!
We were quite full but you know me and sweet treats, plus we’d already seen what was on offer and let’s be honest, we’re really not that strong-willed. Going with the hotel’s namesake, my friend opted for ‘Le Mandarin’ which is a dark chocolate mousse and in honour of the location, I chose ‘Le Saint-Honoré’ – puff pastry filled with vanilla cream and caramel. As someone not keen on pastry, I was blown away.
Great service, very clean and the calming nature from the huge courtyard is nice. Bar 8 is also pretty cool. Definitely one of my favourite spots in Paris. If you like good living and beautiful aesthetics, the Mandarin Oriental will not disappoint. Now I just need to stay there. Yes, the eternal optimist!
Camélia
Mandarin Oriental
251 Rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
France
+33 (0) 1 70 98 78 88
So hard to find well cooked pasta in Paris, but this one sounds devine!
XO
Sam
Absolute perfection!
Oh my chocolate mouse, vanilla cream and caramel….delicioussssss!!
I really like the way you talk about food Milla, honestly you make me mouthwatering and I just have dinner!!!
Audreyx
Thank you Audrey, I just like good quality food and if you pair it with great company, wonderful service and beautiful surroundings, life is all good! sorry to make you hungry again – you’ll have to come to Paris and eat at the Mandarin Oriental.
xx
you’re killing me with these posts … killing me … stop it!
A good way to go, non? He he!
Proof that we really do eat with our eyes – my mouth is watering so much! What excellent presentation, it looks so delicious!
I can confirm that it tastes even better than it looks – what a treat!
I’m weeping
no, I’m not weeping; I’m bawling. It all looks so delish!
Bawl away – well worth the tears and er… calories. This place is amazing!
Oh my god…..that last picture…..you’re killing me…..and dark chocolate mousse….and butternut squash is one of my fav veggies…..killing me….
I only hope I’m not adding to the itinerary… The last pic is my favourite, and what a dessert! Holy taste buds!
You are totally adding to my food itinerary hahaha. I’ve added that to my list of restaurants to visit in Paris…..YUM!! Do you usually have reservations or do you just walk in and use charm?
I just emailed you about your itinerary and honey, there is no space to add another resto so feast with your eyes!
I usually make reservations, particularly at high-end places because they’re always full. We were lucky on this occasion because we arrived at the end of lunch and it was a Sunday. For local restos, it is usually a first-come-first-served basis. If you have a specific place in mind, better to call them and book. My British charm doesn’t work on the French!
mmmm That butternut squash dish was to die for! I enjoyed sweetly savoring every single bite of that entire meal! Weren’t we there for about 2 and a half hours? Sheer heaven!
Definitely one of the best meals I’ve had in France. Yum!
looks delish!!! xx
Tastes delish more like it!
I need to be in Paris right now!
Cold and wet, but so so pretty! Come visit!
salut, cheri! how have you been … I’m back in town again..
wow, you always go to the most stunning and glamorous places do dine and wine!
ha, and the place is named similar to my name, too!
Where were you lovely?
Very similar to your name and equally fabulous!
x
Can I please come visit you in Paris? Seriously….. Champagne, wine, bread, chocolate, the Mandarin…ahhh yes please!!!
You’re always welcome Naina – Paris is city of deliciousness!
Ah you continue to feed my Paris dreams! I hope to return shortly
xoxo
There is only one Paris, and the food is divine. You simply must return Dawn!
oh how divine and luxurious Milla!!!!=D Good food is a no brainer at the Mandarin Oriental! I had my high school graduation at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong many years ago! It was a great experience and i remember the food being yum, well, for a teenager’s standard, it was yum anyway! lol
The desserts is making me drool and it’s almost lunch time over here….tick tock tick! lol
p.s. love that you took a photo of those fishy – forgot the name but they’re very common in HK and i think Japan as well.
Cinz
What a graduation celebration – wow! I’m impressed! It is meant to be one of the top MO hotels in the world.
The fish are cute, right? An Asian touch in a Parisian resto.
Oh these photos are delicious!!
Food is an amazing part of life to be enjoyed
Thank you for your comment!!
x
So true and sharing food with good people is the best. I feel so sad for those who think a salad leaf is food!
x
Everything looks delicious, Milla. I can imagine that it must taste divinely!
Ada
Thanks Ada – it was so nice. You know it must be good when you’re full from your main course but still order dessert.
x
OMGoodness, Milla, this place looks fabulous! You made my mouth water, lunch looks as if it was delectable … and how perfect is that little sweet ending! (Couldn’t help but notice the glamorous little package … gold gloves? Ooh la la!) Happy holidaying darling!
Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
Thanks Sandy! Add this to you “must-do” list for Paris. Have a great festive period!
x