Expect excellent service, superb quality of food and beautiful presentation. Unassuming on the outside, it has a not very romantic, simple, clean and not over-the top ambiance with a flower in an interesting vase decorating each table. My BF and I had a lunch reservation, 48 euros for three courses. We got different dishes so we were able to taste each other's dishes.
Complimentary fresh bread: nothing special. Complimentary cheese balls: very good, warm, not too cheesy or buttery.
Frozen salad: It's like a salad icee served on a plate with a spoon of cream parmesan and a small wedge of a green tomato, accented with clover-like leaves. It's interesting. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I know I don't love it but it's so different that I have to like it.
1st course, Sweetbread: I'm not talking about sweetened bread. Sweetbread is the culinary name for organ meats like the throat, neck, heart, stomach...etc. It is usually prepared breaded and fried. I do not love sweetbread because I am not a huge fan of organ meats but if it is cooked well, it can be great. Hiramatsu served this dish fried with hash browns, a spring salad mix, fatty bits of pork, artichoke hearts and vegetable chips (roma tomatoes and yams). It is a very well prepared and presented plate. I actually liked this dish.
1st course, White asparagus with crab mousse: When walking in and around the markets of Paris, I noticed the gigantic white asparagus thinking, I would like to try some of that. My wish came true! It is a fatter, denser, less crisp version of the green asparagus, not to say its not crisp. Hiramatsu presented it simply with edible flowers and a splash of a semi-tart sort of sauce. The only thing I wish I had more of is the crab mousse. I love anything crab :)
Main course, Red mullet (fish) in a butter cream sauce: Ok, I might be a little bias with this one because I love fish. But I can say, there's not much to fish. Just make sure it's fresh and not overcooked. This dish was served with potatoes and wild asparagus (first time having this vege and I fell in love).
Main course, Rack of veal: IMO, veal (baby cow) tastes lighter, more delicate, milder than beef. It is also more tender in texture. This dish was served with some butter lettuce, organic carrot and a garlic mousseline. I would say it's good but not great.
Dessert, Salted caramel ice cream, caramel emulsion with mango slices and passion fruit gelee. Done. Self explanatory...
Dessert, Fresh strawberries and rhubard: Until my BF showed me one in the open markets of Paris, I had no idea what rhubard was, it's a leafy vegetable with long skinny stalks. The taste is hard to describe, it's somewhat tangy but with a very distinctive, cinnamon-ny earthy element to it. It's dewy and soft in texture. It takes some getting used too. Yeah, like the frozen salad I mentioned above, this one is too special. It is an acquired taste, to say the least.
We ended with some chocolate truffles but we were stuffed so boxed them up and ate them at the park later on. This place is worth the money. Your eyes and stomach will be pleased. read more