Le Faham was our Parisienne Splurge for our anniversary luncheon.   Celebrating 33 years of marriage is a joy and to be in Paris at Le Faham is a dream come true.  Le faham is an incredible 1 Michelin Star restaurant opened in 2019 by owners executive chef Kelly Rangama and husband/pastry chef Jérôme Devreese.  In context, only .45% of French restaurants can claim this prestigious accompaniment.   

Together, Kelly and Jerome, transported us from the vibrant  streets of Paris to a culinary sailboat drifting between the island rhythms of Réunion, the town of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean and the elegance of modern French cuisine.  Kelly, raised on Renioun Island and previous contestant on season 8 of top chef is the first female chef from Renion to receive the prestigious Michelin star award.   Now with husband Jérôme, who spent much of his life in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, Le Faham is a culmination of a love affair, literally. Together, with their mutual passions for cuisines “par excellence” they are serving up guest from around the world and experiencing tremendous accolades in the French community and beyond.

We were celebrating our 33rd anniversary with our son, his wife, our granddaughter, and our teenage son, Blaise. It was a table full of love, laughter, and gratitude, and the lively bright atmosphere of Le Faham matched the moment.

Our meal started with amuse buse and was immediately followed by a celeriac rémoulade au massalé. I was excited for the meal to begin, but I wasn’t expecting to be moved by celeriac. But this was no ordinary entré. This was texture and restraint and balance spun with love and artistry. A twist of finely julienned celeriac, faintly spiced, twirled like pasta with crisp little croutons, pickled notes, and herbs that danced softly through the dish. We all paused and sighed, It was startling good. 

it’s a small restaurant, 5-8 parties max and the room buzzed with conviviality of the moment. The kitchen looks out at the guests who are not even a stones throw away.  Kelly’s there.  Serving us all, caring for her luncheon brood.  Monitoring the moments, the pace, the atmosphere.  Then right on que, came the plat, “Dans l’esprit d’une paëlla.”  I was expecting the joy of a soccarat crust but this was unique, perfecting cooked orzo, soft – in a delicate sauce, topped with an array of proteins. Each forkful was dressed in a lemon saffron-scented paella style sauce that was mind- bendingly good.  The orzo was adorned with shrimp, mussels, squid, jambón, and just the right whisper of rougail citron. I never thought I’d say this, but this paella didn’t need a crunchy soccarrat.  From the first delish bite, I wanted no disruption in this delicate texture and heart filled flavors. The seafood was perfect. The jambon a nice touch. The flavors were confident, considered, thoughtful, and not overpowering. I honestly think it was the best paella-inspired dish I’ve ever had.   There was a shift in the atmosphere as the entire table enjoyed each bite.

But then came the finale: Le Fraisier. A deconstructed ode to strawberries—floral, fresh, and absolutely stunning. Bright berries ringed a delicate dome of cream on a tender sponge, surrounded by strawberry consommé, dotted with flowers and tiny red pearls. It looked like a painting. We were sad the journey was coming to a close 

It was our best meal in Paris

And the price? For €59, you get a three-course lunch that could stand shoulder to shoulder with meals ten times the price. That alone would be enough.

Le Faham is worth a journey. I met Kelly after our meal and with such kindness she sincerely cared about our experience.  Of course I raved and thanked her, with broken French.   A moment won’t forget.  For our crew, it will always be the restaurant where love, beauty, and flavor came together on one extraordinary afternoon of celebration.   What a gift