Theme: Advanced Models
No: 10243
Release Year: 2014
Cost: AUD$249.99
Pieces: 2469 (with 5 minifigures)
No: 10243
Release Year: 2014
Cost: AUD$249.99
Pieces: 2469 (with 5 minifigures)
Of all the Modular buildings from the last 9 (soon to be 10) years, 10243: Parisian Restaurant is considered one of the best in terms of exterior and interior design, and this is easily seen when building the set. It’s incredibly beautiful, and a lot of fun to put together.
After pulling yourself away from admiring the box, you’ll find three instruction booklets, a 32×32 baseplate in light grey, an 8×16 plate in dark grey, and 18 numbered parts bags, 1 through 4. And, no sticker sheet! Hooray!
Elements & Minifigures: 19/20
When this set was released in 2014, there were a number of parts that were new.There was the red scooter, which has been seen in only 5 other sets since, the 2×2 inverted single stud dome, used as flower pots on the balcony, the 2×2 round tile with hole, used in the plate stack (which I absolutely love) and table lamps, the sloped curve 2×2 2/3 in both tan and dark blue, seen in that beautiful roof, and the 1x4x2 black fences, with 4 studs instead of just the two outer ones. I’ve seen these replacing the two stud versions, and yet they don’t change in the instructions. I’m not sure what the reasoning was, but they probably are a little more versatile.
When this set was released in 2014, there were a number of parts that were new.There was the red scooter, which has been seen in only 5 other sets since, the 2×2 inverted single stud dome, used as flower pots on the balcony, the 2×2 round tile with hole, used in the plate stack (which I absolutely love) and table lamps, the sloped curve 2×2 2/3 in both tan and dark blue, seen in that beautiful roof, and the 1x4x2 black fences, with 4 studs instead of just the two outer ones. I’ve seen these replacing the two stud versions, and yet they don’t change in the instructions. I’m not sure what the reasoning was, but they probably are a little more versatile.
Other elements that are still quite rare in this set include the obvious printed Chez Albert’s sign on a 2×4 tile, the different olive green elements, the 3×3 dark red roof tiles, and the white croissants, to name just a few. There are some amazing elements in this set including loads of food elements, it’s hard to keep track, but one of my favourites is the minifigure ring. It’s great to get one, and a couple of spares at the same time.
The minifigures include a chef, waiter, girl (with the scooter) and a romantic couple. Like all modular minifigures, they have the classic face. Not all have back printing, with the chef and waiter missing out, but the female artist (white top) is quite a rare torso, only ever being seen in three other sets, all being from Ninjago, as evidenced by the dragon symbol on the back.
Swooshability: 14/20
Being a modular, there’s not a whole lot of swooshability to this set, as it’s more intended for display than anything, but with the inclusion of minigifures, there’s always a little play element in there. It’s definitely possible to have the waiter serve the romantic couple, ride the scooter around, have the chef cook up something delicious in the kitchen, and have the artist paint a masterpiece. I’m not sure I’d do it, but it’s definitely a possibility!
Being a modular, there’s not a whole lot of swooshability to this set, as it’s more intended for display than anything, but with the inclusion of minigifures, there’s always a little play element in there. It’s definitely possible to have the waiter serve the romantic couple, ride the scooter around, have the chef cook up something delicious in the kitchen, and have the artist paint a masterpiece. I’m not sure I’d do it, but it’s definitely a possibility!
Build: 20/20
Obviously, the build starts from the ground up, with some tiling to be done to start off. This includes the extensive tiling inside, with the checkerplate kitchen tiles (extremely repetitive), the floorboard-esque style in the dining hall, and the standard walkway, but this time complete with red carpet. There’s even some brick lettering (as standard in many of the modulars) spelling out “CHEZ” in the outdoor seating area. It’s an easily missed feature once the tables and chairs go in. The kitchen is immensely fun to put together, as it’s all extremely recognisable, and expertly crafted. Some tables and chairs go in the dining areas, as well as some garden features and a bench seat at the front, followed by the olive green walls that slowly climb up. The windows, external staircase, entrance verandah and wine case go in, as well as some fantastic detailing on the external pillars using some Exo-Force arms. The addition of brick built curtains was a great feature, as well as the climbing vine and dumpster at the back of the building.
The middle floor features an apartment and outside eating area for restaurant guests, and it’s one of my favourite features of the modular. It’s great that the outdoor balcony area is separate from the apartment. I found that the flowers are somewhat flimsy clutch-wise to the arm, but as long as you’re gentle, it’s ok. The apartment includes a foldout bed, kitchenette, fireplace and armchair and coffee table. It’s pretty simple, but furnished well, and a lot more than other modulars before it. The staircase at the back is elegant, and fits in beautifully. This all leads to the final floor of the building.
The blue curve continues to the back, with some very clever windows, and the whole roof folds down to reveal the artist studio inside. The SNOT technique used in the roof here is very clever, and blends so well with the windows in the back. It’s snug and seamless and is a joy to put together. I had an absolute blast putting this one together, it’s easily a favourite, having overtaken the Detective’s Office. Repetitiveness was a necessity, and so worth it.
Design / Appearance: 20/20
There’s so much to look at! This is easily the prettiest modular around, second only to the Detective’s Office, in my opinion. The details inside and out are spectacular, and it’s not just localised to a particular floor either. The ground floor’s kitchen is great fun, with the stack of plates being something I’d never seen before, but was so simple. The bookcase for the wine is very regal, and the verandah awning and lights are stunning, especially with the vine on top. Speaking of vines, the vine and dumpster out the back is brilliant. In my setup at home it’s tucked against a wall, so not easily seen, but great to point out in photos.
The staircase winding it’s way around the side and rear of the building is elegant and classy, and sturdy as well. The second floor’s fold up bed is a very clever addition, and looks great in both situations. The olive green of the whole building adds a very special element to it – being a rare colour, and such a stunning one.
The roofline and detailing on this set is some of the nicest I’ve ever seen. the blue curvature of the roof is extremely eye catching, and the clam shell and croissant greebling is stunning. Even the rather grand chimney stack is a beautiful feature of an incredible build. Feathers hidden underneath the window decorations are another genius signature move from the designer, and to add to it, the back of the floor is equally as creative. The yellow and white awing is a simple feature, but adds a different pop of colour. It’s the small things in this set that are an accumulation of great factors. So many little things to admire, and loads of big ones too. I’m hugely proud of this one, and all I did is build my copy of it!
Value for Money: 10/10
Modular buildings are always great value for money, as there is a plethora of parts, and this set is no different. It’s still available from the LEGO Shop Online at RRP, and it works out to be around 10c per element, which is very good value. Modulars are extremely well known for skyrocketing in price after the set retires, so getting in now is definitely in your interest. Being a very popular one, it’s probably likely to increase in price much faster than the other recent ones. If you’re able to get it cheaper than RRP, like me (I got mine for under $200), then consider yourself lucky, as it’s listed on the LEGO Shop Online as Hard to Find, and only comes up in shops occasionally. If you come across it, drop what you’re doing and snap it up.
Modular buildings are always great value for money, as there is a plethora of parts, and this set is no different. It’s still available from the LEGO Shop Online at RRP, and it works out to be around 10c per element, which is very good value. Modulars are extremely well known for skyrocketing in price after the set retires, so getting in now is definitely in your interest. Being a very popular one, it’s probably likely to increase in price much faster than the other recent ones. If you’re able to get it cheaper than RRP, like me (I got mine for under $200), then consider yourself lucky, as it’s listed on the LEGO Shop Online as Hard to Find, and only comes up in shops occasionally. If you come across it, drop what you’re doing and snap it up.
Collectibility: 10/10
Do I even need to fill this section out? It’s a modular, one of the more sought after ones that’s affordable (unless you’re in the money for the first few), and is an absolutely beautiful addition to any collection, even if you’ve never had any of the other modulars before. If you’re planning on using it just for parts, again, it’s a ripper, with all the olive green, not even counting the other elements included.
Overall: 93/100
I’m taking some time off over the next couple of weeks, so there’s not going to be a review next Monday, but when I get back, there’ll be some very special reviews. I won’t be reviewing a set, but rather LEGOland Malaysia! Yep, I’m heading to Singapore for a holiday with a couple of days at LEGOland, and even staying at the Hotel for a couple of nights! Prepare for a whole bunch of photos and a review or three!
I absolutely LOVE this Modular building! It’s indeed beautiful on the outside and gorgeously detailed on the inside. Wonderful and interesting build, resulting in an excellent display piece. In one word: Superb!
Absolutely! I’ve even got my whole street lit up now with LiteUpBlocks and it looks amazing. I’ll be sure to post a few photos soon.
I absolutely LOVE this Modular building! It’s indeed beautiful on the outside and gorgeously detailed on the inside. Wonderful and interesting build, resulting in an excellent display piece. In one word: Superb!
Absolutely! I’ve even got my whole street lit up now with LiteUpBlocks and it looks amazing. I’ll be sure to post a few photos soon.
I absolutely LOVE this Modular building! It’s indeed beautiful on the outside and gorgeously detailed on the inside. Wonderful and interesting build, resulting in an excellent display piece. In one word: Superb!
Absolutely! I’ve even got my whole street lit up now with LiteUpBlocks and it looks amazing. I’ll be sure to post a few photos soon.