The French know how to make food exciting, and this chef delivers! We were booked at the associated small hotel (really nice, super friendly staff) and they asked when we checked in of we wanted a dinner reservation. We had research this and a couple of other nearby spots, but this seemed the best so we said yes. She asked if we wanted a second reservation for the next day and we waffled not wanting to commit but she said there is only one table left so I'll pencil you in and you can cancel if you don't want it.
Our first night's dinner was so good that we immediately decided to return for a second night.
For our first night I had the seasonal chef's recommendation which was a starter of shrimp in a tapioca soup (perfect large shrimp and a delicious broth), chicken stuffed with mushrooms and parsnips beneath the skin, and a cold strawberry custard dessert. It was all fabulous.
My wife had one of the fois gras starters, roast lamb, and a delicious chocolate and crispy peanut dessert (which she particularly liked).
A nice 1/2 bottle of local red wine, a delicious beet amuse bouche and and after dinner marshmellow (house made) and macaron final treat made for a memorable meal.
Our second night we had to try all different things. My wife had the second fois gras starter which is fashioned in house and was spectacular. She had roast cod (perfectly flakes and coated with sesame seeds) accompanied by some exquisite cabbage (never thought I'd say that about cabbage). For dessert she had the rum baba with mango ice cream (drenched at the table with spiced and fruited rum).
I had the poached oyster starter. The oyster were lightly cooked and served in the shells on a bed of leeks with a seafood emulsion. I followed this up with the sweetbreads which were something I'd always wanted to try. And finally the profiteroles (small pastry shells with coffee over cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
This time our waiter recommended a nice local white wine (from Chardonnay grapes) that was very nice. An amuse bouche of pumpkin soup and the after dinner treats perfected the meal.
So, two nights, two home runs. Great meals at a fair price (about 100 euros for two each night). Reservations recommended, but once you have a reservation the table is yours for the night, they don't turn the table for someone else.
Both nights the chef came out of the inaccurate kitchen as we were leaving to greet us and check on our experience. read more