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Food Review: A High-Value French Culinary Experience (5 stars)
On May 5, 2025, at 1 PM, I and my girlfriend dined at Le Rendez-Vous in Vietnam, a restaurant renowned for its exquisite French cuisine. We opted for the “Menu French Experience” and “Main Discovery.” Overall, the dining experience was impressive, with the sauces being the soul of every dish. Below is a review of selected dishes (scored out of 10):
First Appetizer: Beef Tartare
Score: 9.5/10
This beef tartare was the highest-scoring dish of the meal. Unlike versions I’ve had in Hong Kong, the raw beef was finely chopped and paired with a rich romesco sauce, offering a sweet-tangy flavor with a hint of spice that perfectly balanced the beef’s tenderness. The sauce and beef were impeccably matched, showcasing the finesse of French cuisine. However, I felt the seasoning could be slightly lighter to let the beef’s natural flavor shine more.
Second Appetizer: Pan-Seared Foie Gras
Score: 7/10
The foie gras was seared to a crisp exterior with a melt-in-the-mouth interior, similar to what I’ve had in Hong Kong. It was paired with pineapple and mango condiment, which added a refreshing fruity note, enhancing the flavor and cutting through the richness of the foie gras. The accompanying brioche, lightly toasted, offered a soft yet crisp contrast to the foie gras. The sauce was exceptionally well-balanced, with acidity and richness in perfect harmony.
Onion Soup
Score: 8.5/10
The classic French onion soup, simmered for over 15 hours, was masterfully executed at Le Rendez-Vous. The onions, slow-cooked to perfection, created a rich yet non-heavy broth.
Main Course: Beef Tenderloin Steak
Score: 8/10
The beef tenderloin steak was made with high-quality beef, cooked to a perfect medium-rare as requested, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a subtle beefy aroma. The accompanying pomme Anna (French layered potato slices) was baked to a golden crisp, soaking up the sauce’s essence, while the grilled asparagus added a refreshing crunch. The sauce once again demonstrated the chef’s high level of skill in flavor balance.
Dessert: Crème Brûlée
Score: 7/10
The crème brûlée’s caramelized top cracked with a satisfying sound, releasing a toasty aroma. The custard beneath was smooth and rich, with well-balanced sweetness. Paired with seasonal fruits for a touch of freshness and oat crumble for a crisp texture, the dessert was multi-layered. The “sauce” (if the caramel layer counts as one) was expertly handled, sweet but not cloying.
Overall Evaluation
- Overall Score: 8/10
From appetizers to mains to dessert, Le Rendez-Vous showcased the essence of French cuisine. The sauces—whether romesco, Phu Quoc pepper, or caramel—elevated each dish, reflecting the chef’s precise mastery of flavor balance. Service was excellent, with friendly staff providing brief introductions to each dish, maintaining a high standard of hospitality.
“Getting an 8 or above from me is no easy feat.”
If you’re a fan of French cuisine, this restaurant is absolutely worth a visit.