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| - Lessons learned from first hand experience are the ones that stick with you forever.
Lesson #1.
Don't come to L'Atelier expecting the same life changing experience you'd get at Joel Robuchon (The Mansion) next door. Although it's still sophisticated and elegant, the vibe here is more casual, especially with the counter seating and open kitchen. Watching the chefs prepare your meal in hushed voices, and sometimes utter silence, is quite an experience in itself.
Lesson #2.
Don't come here expecting your own private space. If you're with a party of 4 or more people, then you get your own table. Otherwise, it's counter seating. It encourages conversation not only with your server, but your neighbor as well.
Lesson #3.
Don't come here expecting to be blown away by the creations of "Chef of the Century" when all you've is 1 hour and 15 mins. because there's a show you need to catch at Ka theater, which is literally, 10 steps from L'Atelier. I was clock-watching the whole time. They do have a menu called L'Unique, specifically created for those in a rush, it consists of an app, entree and dessert, served all at once. The couple next to us raved about it, but it doesn't offer Robuchon's signature dishes which was the reason I wanted to come here.
Lesson #4.
So, IF all you've got is 1 hour and 15 mins., order from their small plates selection. They've got quite an extensive menu arranged from lightest fare to heaviest. Prices ranged from $$25 - $$45. We decided to go with this due to the time constraint and timing of the dishes were actually well paced.
By far, the two most memorable dishes I've had here that night had one ingredient in common: foie gras. The amuse bouche of foie gras parfait layered with a port wine reduction and foamy parmesan on top was a heavy palate opener, but the strong flavors excited my palate on what was to come. La Caille is a free range quail stuffed with foie gras and truffle mash potatoes. It was supreme. The quail skin was textbook crisp, the meat juicy. The ratio of the potato to butter must be one to one because it was the creamiest, richest mashed potato I've ever had. Period.
I'd say skip La Courgette, which is roasted zucchini with eggplant caviar, it looks pretty on the plate, but pretty boring on the tastebuds. I'd also pass on the La Saint-Jacques, a sea scallop cooked in lemon oil and topped with micro chives; it wasn't seared, how they prepared this I don't know, but it came out very, very tender. However, if you're looking for flavor, this one won't scream at you. And, they give you one scallop! Imagine sharing that.
For dessert, consider the cheese plate with walnut bread. I don't remember the names of all the cheeses, but the Rebluchon is lovely, with its soft texture and nutty taste.
Service is executed with military precision. These folks are trained to serve you with utmost excellence and are knowledgeable about their wines and food.
I was already thinking the next time we come back, the 9 course Discovery Menu would be the way to go. That is, until the bf saw "Le Bill" and said we won't be coming back here in the near future.
Well, my palette is ready for French food, but apparently, our bank account isn't.
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