This French place embodies the best sense of the French phrase "c'est correct," which means so much more than the literal meaning of doing things right. To an American, you would ask, why do things correctly? But it is perhaps the highest compliment, and I learned to appreciate that when I lived in Paris. English people know the value of doing things properly.
French staff and clients? Beveled mirrors and touches of engraved glass? Short, non-flowery menu descriptions? Check check check. I think in a number of years when the floor gets more scuffed, and they cram the tables together more, it will feel downright parisien.
I just had to get the duck confit, as I always do, and it was very good. You could see the rebellion showing through, however, as it was served on a bed of beans and sauce of pureed green herbs. To finish, the froid-chaud, or as we Americans call it, a hot-fudge sundae.
All in all, a thoroughly satisfying meal.
Gluten-free notes: Many French dishes are naturally gluten free! The whole thing of "all French sauces are full of flour" is utter rubbish, as I learned while living in Paris for several years. They were able to confirm which dishes were gluten free. read more