To start this blog, we have to dig into the history that goes way back to 1893. What we are introducing is a heritage that has 120 years of history and a place of French gastronomy. It was there that many recipes were developed. At the end of the 19th century, this place was not only the culinary icon of Paris, it was also a social centre for lots of artists and celebrities to hang around in the Belle Époque.
THE HISTORY BEGAN IN 1893 ...
The legend of Maxim’s de Paris began In May 1893 when Maxime Gaillard, a waiter, opened a bistro at 3 rue Royale in Paris. Maxim didn’t own the restaurant long before it was bought by its next owner Eugène Cornuché, a successful French businessman. He turned the bistro into something chic.
In the 1900s, Maxim's de Paris became a symbol of the Belle Époque characterised by optimism, prosperity, and cultural innovations. It was almost the time the Universal Exhibition was held in Paris, so Eugène asked his socialite clientele and artists to redecorate the restaurant following the Art Nouveau style, an art style that was very popular during the Belle Époque. Modern and dynamism were the characteristics, so glass roof, bevelled mirrors, foliage and ornaments in bronze and copper, frescoes etc. were installed to adorn the place. Of course, Maxim’s, being in the city of love, had also regular courtesans that attracted the French elite to enjoy the delicate dishes and some romantic moments.
MAXIM’S BECOMING ESTEEMED
In 1932, Maxim's changed its owner again. This time, it attracted Mr. & Mrs. Vaudable, who then chose to pick only the prestigious as their clients. It was under the Vaudable family that the restaurant gained its esteemed status. In the late 1950s, the American airline Pan Am had Maxim's de Paris as the caterer of their in-flight food. At the time when travelling by plane was reserved to the rich, this business decision made Maxim’s become immensely popular with the international celebrities. The restaurant was in a long period of prosperity, so long that during the restaurant’s renovation at the end of 1950s, gold pieces, rings, and diamonds left by these wealthy regulars were found in the red benches.
A LOCAL BISTRO TO A FASHIONABLE RESTAURANT
Maxim's de Paris were a bistro. It then became an Art Nouveau masterpiece, but ultimately it was a restaurant that was welcomed by numerous artists and international celebrities. With France’s cultural and artistic boom (especially in Paris), Maxim's de Paris established themselves as a fashionable restaurant, gaining extensive recognition. In 1981, Maxim’s Art Nouveau interior earned the restaurant the designation of historical monument. The restaurant also welcomed its new owner that year. Pierre Cardin, the well-acclaimed fashion designer best known for his futuristic creations, bought the restaurant from Mr. & Mrs. Vaudable.
Nowadays, Maxim’s de Paris strive to respect their own tradition and history by offering exceptional food products to their customers. The French brand has a selected range of chocolates, champagne, foie gras and many other specialties that have made its reputation. Its expertise is a guarantee of both aesthetically pleasing and exquisitely divine products. If you are interested, take a look at their Chocolate Quartet Gift Box, Dark Chocolate Crêpes Dentelle, and Himalayan Pink Salt with White Truffle.
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