PARTIAL REVIEW
Décor:
-Eclectic does not even begin to describe La Nef des Fous- each table has unusual trinkets on it like mini typewriters and teapots reconfigured into flowerpots.
-Upon traveling from the main dining room floor to the lower seating, you will stumble upon a bathtub full of fish and several paintings of human bodies with dog heads.
-Honestly, the place is so strange I feel it's just a matter of time before it's featured on Bob Blumer's World's Weirdest Restaurants
Service:
-After a string of seemingly endless lengthy meals in France, we were itching for something quick- seriously, we even contemplated heading to the local McDonalds just so we could get in bed by a decent time. Thankfully, La Nef des Fous at least delivered what we were craving above almost all else- speed.
-The young, friendly servers made competent menu suggestions (which were written in English for us), and ensured that our plates and cutlery were replaced and replenished before and after every course. This meant that they had to be pretty attentive to keep up! Within mere moments each course would arrive after the last was cleared- making the whole 4 course meal take no more than 50 minutes. Genius.
Drink:
-I noticed a generous number of French wines, about 10 of which could be ordered by demi or glass. He ended up going with a mediocre Chardonnay demi, and I an equally mediocre Viogner. Hey, the glass was, like, 6€, I really didn't have high hopes.
Food:
-The menu is very large with a wide range of ingredients showcased, and various styles of French cuisine represented - from lighter fare to food you're likely to see in neighbouring bouchons.
-The menu can be ordered a la carte (10.90€ for appetizers, 19€ for mains) or as part of a 3 course pre-fixe for 29.90€
-I was particularly interested in the dessert menu, while he had high eye on a few appetizers. So he went the a la carte route, while I opted for the pre-fixe
Parsley Escargot in a Jelly with Wild Garlic Mousse
It was somewhat strange to have cold escargot, especially with the jelly which I think only exaggerated the already gelatinous texture, but I liked the delicate sweetness of the mousse.
Salmon Souffle with Saffron Sauce
I was definitely disappointed to not have gotten a massively puffy soufflé and that it was slightly overcooked and grainy, but the delicate sweet salmon flavour was nice.
Mint Pea Gazpacho with Bacon Mousse and Crisp
My partner said it best - the soup tasted like Colgate as they had gone so heavy on the mint. The bacon was also served cold, and really- who likes previously cooked cold bacon where the fat starts to re-harden on the surface? Um no.
Cassoulet with Soissons Haricot Beans, Toulouse Pork Sausage and Duck Wing
I was so happy I went with the cassoulet, which ended up being the best part of the meal. The beans were cooked perfectly al dente, the sausage was flavoruful and fatty, and the duck confit was crispy and perfectly rendered. It was a fair bit of food but I pretty much polished it off.
Duck Breast Special with Fruit Sauce, Hericot Verts and Mashed Potatoes
In contrast, this tasted a bit like something my mom (G-d bless her) would have made- overcooked meat in some bottled sweet and sour sauce. It was passable, if you like that sort of stuff, but really a bit of an offence to the beautiful duck.
Strawberry Praline Charlotte with Violet Sauce
A little amateur in technique but I admittedly licked the plate. The crunch from the pralines in the Bavarian cream added a nice textural contrast to the soft lady fingers and I enjoyed the floral aroma of the sauce. Pretty good. read more