I didn’t know what to expect, a French name for a restaurant is it a brasserie or a bistro, I opened the door, looked up and... I stopped in awe! A magnificent decor made with class and style, French finesse in a minimalistic decor inspired by the French revolution with touches of subtle modernism. No Music, calm and simplicity, a refined style oozing positivity. I rarely felt so amazed and was so excited to try the food.
Pass the arcade, walk inside and start appreciating the little details. Perfectly set and ironed white tablecloth, a complete set of silverware, a fresh rose to decorate the heart of the table, a cup of sugar cubes... a wooden floor, old-style chairs and the big impressive chandeliers which decorate the space. Keep going, reach the other room where a wide open kitchen enchants the place with its sizzling sounds.
A French feel, a French menu and the French savoir-faire continues. On the menu you can find a selection of unconventional plates, like the chicken, the beef or the salmon with eggs any-style. Bagels and croissants are also available. A gentleman, a professional waiter approached me for the order; “how are you sir” he asks with a refined English accent. Using the finest of words, he proposed a black coffee, poured water and suggested the French press. Another lady followed for the food order.
French press served in a big jug, a young lady serves it at the table and leaves the rest by your side to refill. I was happy, enjoying the moment, relaxing while feeling the excitement. A new plate, a new set of cutlery, a new table set up -depending on the order-... the perfection in every detail makes this place unique. While excitement was building up, I enjoyed coffee, a fine coffee different from the watery American ones.
A thick slice of French bread, a bed of ripe avocados and two poached eggs on top served with a side of salad. Authentic French bread with a tender heart and a thick crunchy border comes with a mix of avocado prepared with spices and a hint of lemon. The eggs, on top, are so light that their eggs yolk flows like a river in a valley. Why not have a piece of beef for breakfast so I ordered it with two sunny side up eggs; a chunk of meat hand-cut by the butcher comes with herb butter on top next to two eggs. Seasoned and peppered, the mix is tasty without being complicated.
Water was added and the waiter approached my table: “even though you won’t need it”... depositing a Peugeot pepper mill on the table and a side of sea-salt.
All I asked for is bread, simply bread! The waiter added it on his tablet, requested it from the kitchen and then bread arrived. A basket of warm and crunchy bread with a side of butter and a jar of “Bonne Maman” jam. Even bread, simply bread has a ritual; exquisite French baguette a-la-Francaise. Dip it in egg yolk or swipe the leftovers off your plate... I couldn’t stop eating! Then came the last bite, a spread of butter, a sprinkle of salt and “crunch”; a yummy moment.
One more thing was yet to come, the croissant or pain au chocolat, pure butter filled with lines of chocolate. It’s good enough.
Minutes passed, a plate landed in front of me; What is this?... a casserole in which a giant pancake is cooked with a decoration of crème fraîche and blueberries. Pancakes, yes pancakes, cooked in a pan and not staked like everyone does it. A thick moist pancake like a cookie dough covered with a layer of caramelized brown sugar adding an enjoyable crunch, warm blueberries exploding their acidity in the mouth and a thick crème fraîche for a refined end note of pleasure. Not your usual pancake, not like any I’ve had before, innovative and refined at the same time, an eye candy plate I would never forget.
I enjoyed my experience so much that I couldn’t stop writing, hoping to have shared my excitement, the way I felt it that morning.
