rev:text
| - If you want to truly feel like royalty, you must come here and order the 16 course Menu Dégustation. From the moment the doors are opened by beautiful hostesses, you feel like a King and Queen. For the next 3 hours, you forget that you are in a casino. We were led to an intimate corner table with lush velvet purple chairs and throw pillows, surrounded by beautiful art. Even my purse had her own royal chair. We were handed the extensive wine list (which weighed about the same as my 6 month old son) and the knowledgable sommelier directed us towards some wines that we might like. There were probably 8 servers doting on us, refilling our water glasses, laying new silverware for every course. I am a big fan of the show "Downton Abbey" and I could have sworn I saw Mr. Carson and Mr. Bates dressed to the nines, carrying a large silver tray.
Everything is just so decadent. The bread cart and sinful french butter set the tone for the gastronomical adventure that awaits. Black truffles, Caviar, Uni, Fois Gras...I was in heaven. And each were presented as a work of art. The infamous desert cart carrying 35 different types of bite sized desserts, included chocolate eclairs that are heavenly. If I had not indulged on 16 courses, I would have easily devoured a dozen of those eclairs. I was most impressed when a cart of potted herbs was rolled to our table and we were asked if we would like some tea. They actually freshly picked spearmint leaves and mashed them before my eyes to brew a beautiful aromatic pot of tea just for me. Add some of the fancy honey and it was the absolute perfect way to end such a gluttonous feast.
This particular 16 course tasting menu had some items that blew my mind and some that were just okay. My husband wants to return for our wedding anniversary, but we will probably order the 4 course meal instead. We will probably ask to be seated in the outdoor garden terrace next time. And maybe we will return in April instead since that is one of the 4 times that he is supposed to make his visit- with hopes that we can shake the hand of this culinary genius. There is no doubt that Joel Robuchon is deserving of the "Chef of the Century" title and I consider myself blessed to have experienced his creative menu.
|