We partook in the Klee menu a few weeks ago during our travel to Cologne. What really stood out to…read moreme was the aesthetics and vision of the menu. Each dish had varying degrees of sweet, sour, umami, bitter, fat, and salty. Some of the presentation were quite whimsical like the origin of the pretzel shape and its presentation, and some were stunning like the rose in smoke and the chocolate course resembling multiple galaxies. In terms of flavor though, we thought most of the dishes tasted good but nothing really stood out as amazing. I remember the visuals more than the taste of any particular dish. This is my own preference, but I think in trying to showcase all 6 tastes in each dish, all of the dishes ended up sort of blending together without much character or that explosion of flavors that make you close your eyes to savor each bite. I also liked the ambiance here - we had a view of the river from our seat and were surrounded my modern art and meditation music. We also did the wine pairing, but I actually thought the sekt we ordered off the menu was the best. The pairing wines had a great vision and introduced different grape varietals based on when they were first harvested, but we did not particularly think they complemented the dishes nor all that delicious. They also had a great concept of producing a map with QR codes that you can read more about the wines, but unfortunately were outdated so the finishing wines were a little lost on us. Also a heads up that the tasting menu lasted almost 5 hours, which is the longest from my experience. If you're with good company, that's fine but good to know if you have other evening plans.

Für meinen Besuch habe ich beschlossen, auf das verfügbare "Kleeblatt" (vegetarisches Menü) und die…read morealkoholfreie Kombination zu verzichten, um das klassische "Ochsen" (Fleisch- und Fischmenü mit Wein) zu genießen ... obwohl es sich bei beiden um "Überraschungsmenüs" handelt . Die Idee von Chefkoch Gottschlich für das Restaurant besteht darin, jedes Gericht so zu komponieren, dass es alle sechs Hauptgeschmacksrichtungen enthält: süß, salzig, sauer, bitter, Umami und Fett. Von den Amuse-Bouches bis zu den abschließenden Petit Fours ist ihm das offensichtlich hervorragend gelungen. Besonders gut hat mir das Kalbfleisch, das Knochenmark mit Kalbsbries in Tortellini und der Trüffelschaum gefallen. Ich war auch mit dem Teller mit Jakobsmuscheln, Kaviar, schwarzer Limette und Rhabarber zufrieden. Die Kellner wirkten entspannt und waren äußerst hilfsbereit. Ich grinste über die Uniform, die das Küchenpersonal trug, als es in den Speisesaal kam, um zu helfen. Ein jüngerer Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) würde die Lederschürzen, Riemen und Schnallen wahrscheinlich gutheißen. Nach dem Essen sprach ich draußen mit ein paar Gästen, während ich auf den Taxiservice wartete. Anscheinend habe ich keines der vegetarischen Gerichte nah genug gesehen, um auf die Bemühungen der Köche hinweisen zu können. Mein Verlust. Jetzt muss ich zurückkehren, um die "Klee"-Gerichte zu probieren. / For my visit, I decided to pass on the available "clover," (vegetarian menu) and non-alcoholic pairing to enjoy the classic "ox," (meat and fish menu with wine)... although both are "surprise" menus. Chef Gottschlich's idea for the restaurant is to compose each dish to contain all 6 primary tastes: sweet, salt, sour, bitter, umami, and fat. From the amuse bouches to the final Petit fours, he has obviously succeeded admirably. I particularly enjoyed the veal, bone marrow with sweetbreads in tortellini and truffle foam. I was also pleased with the scallop, caviar, black lime and rhubarb plate. The servers seemed relaxed and were extremely helpful. I did smirk at the uniform that the kitchen staff was wearing when they came onto the dining floor to assist. A younger Martin Gore (DM) would probably approve of the leather aprons, straps and buckles. After my meal, I spoke with a couple of diners outside while waiting for the taxi service. Apparently, I did not see any of the vegetarian dishes close enough to remark on the efforts of the chefs. My loss. Now I have to return to try the "clover" dishes. 2023 09 01. M2.

I had a wonderful experience. I just wanted a little sample of everything as opposed to a main. The…read morebeef tartare starter was absolutely amazing. I ended up with a small version of the vegetable stew, which was nice to finish off with. I was provided bread as an accompaniment. I definitely was stuffed after those three things. But that didn't stop me from trying with Tiramisu, which was the best out of Italy. The service was impeccable. All the servers were taking care of me and there was no confusion from server to server. They all communicated on my needs, what I ordered, and what I was looking to do. Everyone spoke English and there was no problems with communicating. It was pretty quiet. It was a Wednesday night and I walked right in. No reservation was needed but I wouldn't count on that. For US travelers (maybe other non-German travelers), I did have an issue with my credit card while at the restaurant. It was on their payment system, not my card. I was able to pay with cash - although they do not accept it. Just have more than one payment method on you, so you don't run into problems. It was mostly a 5 star experience (minus the paying issue).

Great service and alternate selections everything was wonderful , the wine light and crisp…read moresurprisingly French. We had prefix menu since there was 7 of us great value

We found this place on "via Michelin". Since we were a little tired on schnitzels and pizzas in…read moreHaan, we gave it a try. The restaurant has a beautiful interior and an extremely nice patio (not used because of a cold rain). The menu selection is limited but the preparation and ingredients are top notch. We both had the lamb chops with oven-roasted potatoes which were exceptional. The service is excellent and the wine list is very good. Well worth a try!

Sooooooo good! We had the 6 course menu and wine pairing- it was INCREDIBLE. The portions were…read moregenerous, and yet perfectly executed. The shrimp was cooked perfectly. Every dish was delightful! The staff is super friendly and kind with great service. Overall, a top place in the most unassuming of places!

Wonderful place for a meal!…read more Came here on an evening for dinner with friends. It is a small place so make sure to make a reservation to guarantee a table. Service was quick and very friendly. The staff were all very nice and accommodating. The food was great! The dishes were all very well prepared with a dish that could suit anyone. I loved the pork dish that I got. It was cooked very tender and juicy.

Chose this place from yelp and was not disappointed. It's a great spot with lovely outdoor seating…read more The service was really good and my server patiently helped me translate the menu and choose a great dinner. The bruschetta with goat cheese and tomatoes was heavenly. I hope I get to come back and return some day

As an international airline Captain, I get to sample the best and the worst of cuisine worldwide…read more In my years I have learnt to discriminate between the best among the best. I particularly enjoy uniquely styled restaurants that are intimate but classy and elegant. Pure White in Cologne is the perfect expression of what an awesome gastronomic experience is. The personalized service, attention to detail, ambiance, personable and engaging owners only complement the exotic and superb food and wines. Pure White is among my own top five restaurants in the world. I plan to return as often as my travels take me back to Cologne. P.S. Try the lobster soup.. Out of this world!

Titel: Vendôme - leider nie wieder…read more Wir hatten uns sehr auf den Abend im Vendôme gefreut, wurden aber bitter enttäuscht. Pünktlich um 20 Uhr wurden wir freundlich empfangen und zu einem schön eingedeckten Tisch geführt. Doch schnell fiel auf, dass an diesem Freitagabend nur sechs Tische mit insgesamt zwölf Personen besetzt waren - mehr als die Hälfte des Restaurants war leer. Wir entschieden uns für das 5-Gänge-Menü. Aufgrund der Hitze (über 30°C) verzichtete meine Frau komplett auf Alkohol, ich bestellte nur einzelne Gläser Wein statt der angebotenen Weinbegleitung. Diese Entscheidung stieß offenbar auf wenig Gegenliebe. Alle anderen Gäste speisten bereits, wir waren die letzten Ankommenden. Das Service-Team versuchte offenbar, diesen zeitlichen Rückstand aufzuholen - leider auf unsere Kosten. Der Gruß aus der Küche wurde serviert, bevor Wasser oder Wein am Tisch waren. Die ersten beiden Gänge wurden in rascher Folge serviert - kaum war abgeräumt, stand schon der nächste Gang auf dem Tisch. Wir baten zwei Servicemitarbeiter ausdrücklich darum, das Tempo zu drosseln, da wir die Aromen genießen wollten und nicht zum "Schnellessen" in ein Zwei-Sterne-Restaurant gekommen waren. Leider blieb unsere Bitte weitgehend unbeachtet - nach etwa einer Stunde hatten wir die anderen Gäste eingeholt. Beim Hauptgang überholten wir sie sogar. Als nach nur 1 Stunde und 50 Minuten bereits der Nachtisch serviert werden sollte, wiesen wir diesen lautstark zurück - ein Verhalten, das uns selbst unangenehm war, aber leider notwendig erschien. Der Restaurantleiter, der das mitbekam, kümmerte sich lieber um einen anderen Tisch, wo er sich ausgiebig über Messerschleiftechniken unterhielt. An unserem Tisch war er lediglich zur Begrüßung anwesend gewesen. Der gesamte Service wirkte unsicher und überfordert - von dem, was man in einem Restaurant dieser Klasse erwartet, war an diesem Abend leider nichts zu spüren. Uns wurde tatsächlich versucht zu erklären, dass das hohe Tempo bei uns damit zusammenhinge, dass andere Gäste entweder das 7-Gänge-Menü gewählt hatten, im Haus übernachteten oder bestimmte Arrangements gebucht hätten. Für uns war das keine nachvollziehbare Erklärung - im Gegenteil: Als zahlende Gäste hätten wir dieselbe Aufmerksamkeit und Sorgfalt verdient. Nach Dessert und Pralinen verließen wir das Restaurant mit großem Ärger über einen Abend, der uns 622Euro gekostet hat - und der die hohen Erwartungen leider in keiner Weise erfüllt hat. Zum Abschied meinte der Restaurantleiter nur knapp: "Es tut mir leid, heute hat wohl die Küche das Tempo vorgegeben." Ein Satz mit vielsagender Botschaft: Kunde stört mit Auftrag. Versprochen, wir stören nie wieder.

Just ignore the fact that after years of having 3 Michelin Stars that Vendome was just demoted to 2…read moreStars. We went there with friends who have collectively eaten there over a dozen times and the conclusion after the meal was that nothing has changed, it's just the fickle Michelin Man creating drama. Also, Vendôme closes for a month or so a year, I think it's in August, so check ahead. If you have the time and budget, I recommend to get a room at the Schloss Bensberg so you can just roll your fat self to your room and pass out rather than have to schlep back home or to your hotel after what could end up as a 4-5 hour meal! ATMOSPHERE: Minimalist, no music (until later in the evening when some hallway jazz could be heard remotely), it's just you, your food and your company. We were lucky to have a center table overlooking the the Schloss Bensberg property during sunset, which I really recommend if you can! The bathroom is on another floor and very far away, so just be warned! SERVICE: Flawless and with ease, like they have been doing this forever, which they kind of have been. FOOD: Choose between 6 and 8 course tastings and wine pairings, not everyone has to choose the same. We had several dietary restrictions and they accommodated them, except the modifications were not as great as the original and for the sweets at the end, I was a bit disappointed that instead of having subs for the sweet treats, those with restrictions just got fewer treats :( Overall though, almost everything was delicious. The only dud of the night was their bread! The opening bites and their main desserts were the highlights so the meal, so it started and ended with a bang, which is so nice to have since a lot of tastings we've had elsewhere lately just peeter out with weak pastry, but not here! I think the the food is more traditional and familiar than a lot of newer 2-3 stars, which tend toward more molecular and crazy flavors, which often yield less yummy results. Why mess with it if it just works as is?? Those they had wine pairings thought everything paired well, though there was only one red wine much to hubby's chagrin. Despite this, he though it all worked well with the food. DAMAGE: With adding gratuity, expect 450-650 Euros per person depending on if you opt for the smaller tastings, wine pairings, and if you opt for aperitifs before and after the meal. OVERALL: Vendôme is definitely still a 3 Star experience, that seems to be punished for not innovating enough to keep up with newer trends, even though their food is still absolutely delicious. I do agree that there wasn't a "wow this is new and my brain is on overload" moment but I think it should be enough to walk away with happy taste buds and warm fuzzies about the whole experience. Call me old school, but sometimes old school just works.

kleine Karte, GROSSE ESSEN!!! Eine nette Bedienung und ein…read moreentspannter Koch. Was will man mehr?