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Philippe Starck-designed restaurant opens in Paris flea market

French designer Philippe Starck has opened the doors to his latest project in Paris, a restaurant set within one of the biggest flea markets in the world.

Ma Cocotte, which is used as a term of endearment ("my hen") and likewise means "pot" in French, opened earlier this month in the Saint Ouen flea market at the northern edge of the city, a seven-hectare site that attracts throngs of tourists and locals alike looking to take a tour of the past and give rare, antique finds a new home.

Calling the project the realization of a childhood dream, Starck, a Paris native, describes the eatery as a “bowl,” the type of place that evokes images of a “bowl of hot soup, a bowl of steaming coffee, a bowl of fragrant tea, a bowl of wine…”

In the kitchen will be chef Yannick Papin, who currently helms the restaurant Bon. The menu is described as classic Parisian dishes revisited, at prices that range from €20 to €60.

Inspired by its historic setting, the restaurant straddles the world of vintage antiques and sleek modernity with a stainless steel open kitchen and the warmth of old photos, books and eccentric one-off showpieces.

The 1,000-square meter restaurant seats 250 and is divided between an industrial loft and two terraces.

Other recently designed Starck projects include popular chain restaurant Paradis du Fruit, Le Royal Monceau, Café la Cigale and Mori Venice Bar all in Paris.

Ma Cocotte is located near Marché Serpette.