Perfect classic French food at more than fair prices. My friend and I split the formule with two entrees, and we were still near to bursting. She had what looked like a scallop pot pie, that was big and overflowing to the point I initially thought it was a main. I had frog legs and escargot in a casserole ramekin that was fortunately smaller, because it was so rich. Our third friend had a standard but still great french onion soup. For mains, we split the supreme chicken and braised beef - both with more generous offerings of meat than we were expecting. To finish, we had such a high quality tarte fine aux pommes with homemade ice cream. The quality of the ingredients and execution was so superb that we couldn't believe it was simply vanilla bean, apples, and butter.
Although it felt almost sacrilegious to be in Epernay and not have Champagne, the cheap pichets of wine were too good to pass up. Coffees were also cheap and fortunately not burnt like in Paris. Everyone, from the manager, to our server, and the busser, was friendly and helpful - a nice change of pace for my friends who were tired of the Parisian gruffness. The restaurant is located on the picturesque square, just around the corner from the main avenue for Champagne. We got there at a pretty late hour for lunch, but they were still happy to serve. I highly recommend this as the lunch spot before you go tasting. read more