Xiaorui H.
Yelp
This was a truly disappointing experience and the only restaurant where we had to send a dish back. I had high expectations for this place--it's a well-known, long-established French restaurant that I had even recommended to my friends before visiting. The ambiance is elegant and refined, and my friend mentioned that many people choose this venue for weddings and birthday celebrations. The service was impeccable, with attention to detail--one notable touch was how the server personally placed the napkin on our laps upon seating.
Soupe aux Champignons et Oignons (Mushroom and Onion Soup)
A completely uninspired dish--just a bowl of soup with no additional ingredients. The flavor and preparation were so monotonous that it was hard to believe a restaurant of this caliber would serve something that tasted like canned soup from the supermarket. The roasted mushroom oil only added to the greasiness of the already heavy cream-based soup, rather than enhancing the flavor.
Salade Frisée (Frisée Salad)
The vinaigrette was overwhelming--my friend described it as having an intense white vinegar taste, making it unbearably sour. We ended up returning it and replacing it with beef tartare, which, though also quite acidic, was at least enjoyable for my friend.
Terrine de Canard (Duck Terrine)
A classic preparation of cherry sherry jelly layered over a smooth, mousse-like duck terrine. The terrine itself was rich and velvety, but the jelly added little to the dish--it was the charred aroma of the toasted bread that stood out the most. While technically well-executed, the dish wasn't particularly exciting.
Bœuf Bourguignon (Burgundy Red Wine Braised Beef)
This was the dish I was most looking forward to, yet the result tasted almost identical to the version I make at home. The beef was tender, infused with a robust wine flavor, and the ingredients were well-defined with an enticing color. However, the sauce had been strained out for the sake of presentation, which was a real letdown. The only standout twist was the addition of mustard seeds.
Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta)
A surprisingly enjoyable pasta dish--the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée paired beautifully with the nutty aroma. It ended up being more popular at our table than the beef.
Marmite Dieppoise (Dieppe-Style Seafood Stew)
A dish that was rich in flavor but not overly heavy, with plenty of umami depth. Leeks played a key role in enhancing the taste, giving the dish a well-balanced, layered quality. This is the kind of dish that has a high floor--it was well-executed, but not particularly memorable.
Apple Tarte Tatin
The caramelized apple tart had a distinct hawthorn-like flavor, with just the right level of sweetness--any more would have been overpowering. Interestingly, the nutmeg ice cream stole the show. At first, I mistook it for ginger-flavored ice cream, but it had a unique and intriguing taste that stood out more than the tart itself.
Tarte au Citron (Lemon Tart)
A standard, by-the-book presentation--nothing remarkable.
Torte au Chocolat (Chocolate Cake)
A complete disappointment--the texture was far too dry, crumbling into powdery bits with every cut. Not recommended.
Overall Impression
The menu lacked standout dishes and felt uninspired, failing to convey any real craftsmanship or passion from the chef. While the service was excellent--the staff not only replaced our overly acidic salad for free but also removed it from the bill--I was highly dissatisfied with the food itself. From a culinary perspective, I'd attribute at least 80% of the negative experience to the chef.
However, if you're simply looking for an elegant French restaurant to check off your list or have a date night, this place does offer a refined and upscale setting. Just don't expect the food to be the highlight.