Pretty amazing that this Michelin star establishment is not even on Yelp! Oh well, time to add it to the map. Driving from Loire Valley to Paris, the town of Orleans was on the way with this pleasant little restaurant en route. As Yelp is pretty difficult to take advantage of in Europe, I found it in the Michelin guide and they have one star.
Part I: First Impressions and Ambiance (3/5)
Considering the pricepoint where this establishment sits, I can't stay that the design of interior or exterior is anything to write about. It really reminded me by design of a restaurant in a generic Marriott, where one would go to kill their soul while munching on yesterday's quesadilla. The only component that stood out and was notable from design was the open kitchen, where you can observe the food being created.
Part II: The Food Creations (5/5)
Ran by a gentlemen by the name of Christophe Hay, this restaurant focuses on highlighting the local ingredients of Loire Valley. The local game, the fish, the vegetables and of course, the wines. There is also a sense of responsibility to nature that they try to drive, focusing on cooking and buying from local, small farmers and fisherman. To me, it's all fun and games when you are running a restaurant in this price range. Making it practical at scale and a hole in the wall joint is another story and what can truly make a difference in the world. Anyways, started off with a bottle of classic citrus bursting Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and continued to the food menu. Very much enjoyed chef's creations here. Unfortunately there is no English menu. It was a little odd, but perhaps we were the first non-French guests here. The veal recommended by the waiter was simply spectacular. Certainly one of the best preparations I've ever had. Others at the table went with a local fish from Loire valley, which received mixed impressions as it's a river bottom dwelling fish with a very unique profile, that i can't remember the name of. I personally loved it. Dessert of soufflé was also simply unreal. Light flavors of champagne and a heavenly light consistency, with balanced sugar.
Part III: Service (4/5)
Generally good service. But at some moment of the evening, our waiter was absorbed by a conversation with another guest for easily 15 min, exactly at a time when we wanted to close the check. So it was a bit of a disorganized endeavor. Other than that, service was excellent.
If driving between Chateaus of Loire Valley and Paris, I think this place is certainly worth a stop. I do wish there was a character to design here, but the food is spectacular. read more
