This week the Paris Select editorial staff met Sanjay Kaloya, a passionate man! Above all, he loves his job as Clefs d’or Chef Concierge. He embodies the excellence of hospitality at the Artus, Buci and Madison hotels located in the district of Saint Germain des Pres.
With 10 years of experience as a Clef d'Or concierge, he is recognized in the profession for his expertise, dedication and in-depth knowledge of the City of Lights. His love for Paris and his sense of sharing are unmatched. This is reflected in all the recommendations he makes to hotel guests. He makes a point of always personalizing his approach and the quality of his advice.
His credo? The availability and proximity to each client of the establishments he takes care of, creating in each client the feeling of being privileged.
It's at theArtus hotel, at 34 rue de Buci, which the editorial staff had the honor of speaking with Sanjay Kaloya. His generosity and in-depth knowledge of the City of Lights dazzled us. We have collected his valuable recommendations for you… really very Select. To put in your To do list!
A gourmet restaurant where you can dine at least once in your life?
There is more than one in Paris! But if I have to select four, I would say without hesitation, Le Cinq. at the Four Seasons, Arpeggio with Alain Passard, Ambrosia et Astrantia. These are the 4 restaurants that you must try at least once. It’s an exceptional experience!
A typically Parisian brasserie for traditional French cuisine?
You know, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the best neighborhood. Of course, I love Vaganende at 140 boulevard Saint Germain, right next door. Otherwise of course the Procopius. I also love La Rotonde et The dome. Of course the Brasserie Lipp Also. But Vagenende is something, they have a beautiful terrace.
A really chic café terrace to see and be seen?
Especially during Fashion Week, I would say without hesitation La Perouse, Café Marly and why not the Café du Faubourg. They also have a wonderful terrace. Les Deux Magots et Flore's Cafe are essential.
A bar where you can enjoy very good cocktails?
For me it is the Cocktail Club Prescription at 23 rue Mazarine next door. Otherwise Hemingway of course. The Prescription Cocktail Club is quite exceptional.
A chic night spot to party?
Everyone is talking about the Arc Paris, that I love. It's already a magical place, near the Arc de Triomphe. I also recommend the Pachamama at Bastille, which offers salsa, Peruvian and Belle Époque-inspired music.
A pastry and/or chef that you particularly like?
Frédéric Rolland, avenue de l'Opéra, is an exceptional address. It's true that I like Pierre Hermé but if I had to recommend an address in the neighborhood (Saint Germain des Prés): Bread and Roses. It’s rue Madame. There is also an address in the Marais. From croissants to pain chocolats, through charcuterie and especially cheesecakes, it's incredible.
A bookstore near Saint Germain des Prés?
Right next to the Café de Flore there is the bookstore the Scum of the Pages, open from 10 a.m. to midnight. Everyone also talks about Shakespeare And Company.
A must-see museum that you recommend?
I have two. THE Zadkine Museum, rue d’Assas. Very few people know him. There is a small garden and they organize exhibitions from time to time. And the Bourdelle Museum. The Rodin Museum is very well known and it is very good. But I recommend Bourdelle, ideal for families and you learn a lot there.
A perfume museum?
I also like the Fragonard Museum, rue Scribe in Opéra. And in store, at Place Saint-Sulpice, the perfumery Annick Goutal.
An exceptional spa?
Years ago, I remember advising a client to Spa 28, rue Monsieur Le Prince. But the Akasha Spa from Lutetia Paris, it’s really something! I also recommend the Peninsula Paris Spa. You go there not only for the location, but also for the music and the massage. And ending with a tea break in the gardens of the Lili restaurant remains a memorable experience.
A bakery to recommend?
The bakery The Isabelle House at 47ter boulevard Saint Germain received the prize for Best Croissant in 2022. It is therefore an address that is worth the detour!
For tourists with children, what places would you recommend for a pleasant family time?
Right now during the holidays, there are Illuminations at the Jardin des Plantes. I also recommend the Museum of Fairground Arts, theParis Aquarium, la City of Sciences, le Jardin d'Acclimatation, Tuileries garden, le Jardin du Luxembourg and gardens of the Palais-Royal, where there is a beautiful children's toy store.
What are the 3 exceptional places that you recommend to celebrate a wedding anniversary?
I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary at the restaurant Le Cinq.. Last year I celebrated it at the restaurantÉcrin, at the Hôtel de Crillon. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience because in addition to the food and wine pairings that we are accustomed to, the establishment offers food and tea pairings. And it is the only restaurant in the world to offer it. And for a young couple, I would recommend La Perouse, Quai des Grand Augustins, which is very romantic.
You will also like :
- Select meeting: Elisa Meliani, founder of EB Studio Paris
- The Select Interview: Maison Nathalie Blanc, French excellence
- The very Parisian Interview with… Sanjay Kaloya, Clef d’Or Chief Concierge of the German-speaking Hotels Artus, Buci and Madison
- The Select interview with Isabelle Langlois
- Meeting with Angelo Musa, Pastry Chef at the Plaza Athénée
pby Julie Yapo
