Zeva B.
Yelp
My experience here totally blew my mind. Haven't had a meal like this since I don't know when.
First, some context. I was summoned to meet some colleagues at Pierre Sang at 18h30 sharp to get a head start on the line. My colleagues visiting Paris from SF had already been there like 4 times in three days and were obsessed. They even knew the entire staff by first name and felt totally at home. When chef Pierre walked by and spotted us all he gave us a super friendly welcome and told us to check out his other restaurant just down the block to change things up just a little bit. Located on a side street off of Oberkampf, with no sign on the door and a dark, cozy, lighting inside, On Gambey is definitely a hidden hotspot so much so that it wasn't even on Yelp yet!
After settling into our cozy table alongside the fab wine wall and getting our groove on to the nice soft electro tunes, we were told that we were to embark on a 6-couse tasting menu (49E) full of surprises and were asked whether we had any dietary restrictions. From there we were dotted on and treated to an unbelievable culinary adventure that mixed delicacies, techniques and ingredients from Korea to Auverge, France. You see Pierre Sang is Korean but was adopted and grew up in Auverge, and his food is an edible reflection of his multi-ethnic identity. In Pierre's world, traditional French ingredients and techniques flirt with Korean-influenced flavors, spices and sauces, creating a super unique culinary signature that's 100% Pierre.
There were so many exceptional bites taken during the meal, but my favorites involved his preparation of fish, specifically the filet of makerel served over a bed of lentils along with a super tart lemon reduction infused with Korean spicies, and a whole sea bass cooked in a sea-salt crust that the chef filleted for us at the table (see video on mobile!).
Beyond the fabulousness of the food, what really blew my mind was the attentive, happy, accessible staff that Pierre has working for him. Everyone who came by our table, especially the sommelier, an adorable Italian, was so warm and interactive. It really made you feel like you were having this experience with them, like we were part of the Pierre Sang family of professionals and friends. Pierre really role modeled this behavior by coming over to everyone's table and chilling and chatting for a while. We had him with us for a good 10 minutes and it was so fun!
This is a remarkable address that's as delicious and unusual as it is fun and festive. Run, don't walk!