Ducasse sur Seine

Opened just last month, Ducasse sur Seine is the newest project from the most Michelin-starred living chef in history, Alain Ducasse. The organic-shaped 100% electric boat itself was designed by naval architect Gérard Ronzatti while the interiors--featuring a silver-y theme that is meant to reference the reflections of sky and stars in the water of the Seine--were realized by Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman. Silver and gold metal ribbons undulate on the ceiling mimicking light bouncing off rippling water, and seats are upholstered in a silvery graphic map of Paris.

The movable restaurant sets sail down the Seine for both lunch and dinner. There are 3 tiers of lunch options and 5 tiers of dinner options available. The Ducasses sur Seine website says:

Embark on a lunch or dinner cruise on Ducasse sur Seine. An usual experience in the heart of Paris, renowned for its artistic and cultural flair by day, and as the city of Light by night.
The cruise "Déjeuner sur Seine" allows you to admire the emblematic museums. During the "Nuit étoilée" dinner cruise, the boat sails quietly in the illuminated city and ends its journey in front of the Eiffel Tower.

For more information about lunch and dinner options, or to make reservations, visit:
https://www.ducasse-seine.com/en/

BEAUTY: Interiors--Jouin Manku at The Plaza Athénée, Paris

For the hotel's complete overhaul in 2013-2014, the visionary design team of Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku just completed a re-design of world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse's restaurant at The Plaza Athénée in Paris which is appropriately named "Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée." It is a miracle of contemporary abstract forms and colors set into the jewel box of the 1913 structure.

The bar utilizes cobalt blue and royal purple which looks amazing against the natural wood paneling. The rippling blue ceiling feature becomes an art installation and provides a softening texture. The large, vaguely Art Nouveau glass lens floor lamps are pretty amazing...

But the real story is in the dining room itself. White, gold, and blond wood join forces with a constellation of crystals hanging from the ceiling which serve to enhance and extend the crystal chandeliers around them, almost as though the chandeliers are unraveling, shedding. Organic forms look fantastic next to the neo-classical moulding and paneling of the room, and the rounded space-age silver banquettes are stunning. I always say in my own inerior design practice that contrast brings interest. Just think of the Glass Pyramid entrance to the Louvre by I.M. Pei--the ultra sleek shape serves to highlight what is special about both the Louvre itself and the modern statement by Pei. And here at "Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée" the contrast of antique and modern and the highly theatrical design make a phenomenal setting for a most memorable dining experience.

Most photos from Interior Design magazine:
http://www.interiordesign.net/projects/detail/2580-the-curtain-rises-jouin-manku-redesigns-dining-at-plaza-athne-hotel/

Jouin Manku:
http://www.patrickjouin.com/

The Plaza Athénée:
http://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee

Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée:
http://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/restaurants-and-bars/29-alain-ducasse-au-plaza-athenee/