Lunch at À Ma Vigne
I just had my first meal from an authentic and possibly the BEST Bouchon (not from personal experience but from reviews and recommendations) here in Lyon. I can't even begin to tell you how delighted I am. They sat me down to terrine of pork and baguette slices, I ordered a glass of rosé to accompany. The pork was exceptionally seasoned and there were cornichons speckled through the gelatinized terrine. It was cut into cubes and served with toothpicks as my utensils.
For my first course I had the tripe salad. It was served cold and cooked exceptionally well. Not that I'm a tripe aficionado, but this was the best trip I have eaten. It was tossed in mustardy dressing that was velvety and luscious, and just had to be sopped up by the crusty baguette pieces.
An order of steak frites was the entree as this is what they're know for. It is rumored to be the best in all Lyon and by the taste of it, I'd think all of France. A piping hot plate was delivered to my table and then a large platter containing my steak covered in brown butter followed. I was served and then asked if I cared for jus... When the jus is brown butter you say YES! Ladles of jus were spooned onto my steak and then the chef himself (wearing a smile that could only convey how proud he was about his delivery) brought out a platter of piping hot and golden crisp fries that were placed directly in front of me. I washed it all down with a glass of beaujolais.
For dessert a citron (lemon, but not quite like any lemon I've had before) tart came to me. Buttery delicate crust gently cradled the citron curd so perfectly. It was completely balanced and just the right way to end the meal. This with an espresso and I was in heaven. My visit wasn't complete without the chef bringing me a shot of green chartreuse V.E.P.. Cheers!
I was very comforted by the simplistic delivery of everything I ate. The favors were delicate and warming but executed only with mastery and skill. I was swept away w/ this experience and was saddened as it was drawing to an end. Thank you for the meal À Ma Vigne as it is one that I will forever crave. read more