Michelin 1 Star digs!!! KID FRIENDLY!!! yeah, I said it. Seriously- if u can't get into Olivier Leflaive due to it being massively overbooked, take a quick stroll down the block (literally 1 block) and tada- ur right back into fancy eating. I'd honestly eat here and go taste wine there. (I hear the food there is sub-par cause they focus on the wine more, but can't verify yet..... Yes, I will be back to get the scoop.)
Location:
In a tiny village just outside Beaune lies an amazing place.... This one. Awesome building, great interior- amazing staff all decked out in suits- seriously a great place to eat if u can find the 1 dirt road that leads to it.
Food:
It all started with an appetizer that was rattled off in French so quickly I couldn't catch what it was, but the ham was great, as was the little chicken bites. Next was a yogurt style mix with crab meat and nuts- it's a different taste, but awesome. Then on to the food. The wife got white fish that was cut like a round steak, cooked to perfection- I had the actual steak and potatoes.... Amazing with the added sauce. Then comes the chocolate mousse. Small but delicious. And finally the dessert. From a strawberry short cake to a caramel mix with chocolate and spicy ice cream. All in all it took us 2 hrs to get through the meal and it was worth every penny. Only 32€ a person for the entire course at lunch time. Honestly it can't be beat. ***watch that wine menu!!! It's dangerous!! They have half and full bottles. The cheapest full is about 24€ whereas the most expensive was 800+€ a bottle... Yikes! (The wife just stated that 800€ was their mid range OMG....)
Presentation:
Unreal- constant changed out silverware to match what u eat, a pause as they set down ur plate and explain each dish, and a pause to eyeball the food before they add the sauce to it. It is the pinnacle of fancy. Heavy silverware- clean sparkling glasses, and ivory white plates for each course. The tables are large even for 2 ppl. The chairs all are large and heavy with arm rests. U really do feel like u should have a suit on or have an Austin Martin sitting outside (which there were 2 of as we left by the way lol)
Service:
KID FRIENDLY!! We were nervous, until the Maitre d' brought out this wicked highchair for our son with multiple foot levels. (This shit is important- the boy lasted 2hrs ppl.... That's unheard of. U can survive and have a good time with kids!!!)
Super friendly staff. I actually caught our waiter switch from french to english to German without skipping a beat. Once again, it's a place where the staff works together. No 1 person serves u, they all do, with a smooth soft smile and aiming to please.
Atmosphere:
If u show up in shorts and a collared shirt, u feel under dressed, but guess what... No one gives a shit- it's all about the courses here and enjoying the food. Even the ppl around u realize this. We had quite a few other patrons come over and say hi to our 20month old son and mention "oh, try this if u can. It's amazing." The ceiling is large wood beams with a white center so lots of light reflects and opens the area to a bright open room. There are windows along the back wall that show off an amazingly trimmed garden with shaped trees and bushes. It really is a sight to see.
My Final Opinion:
Just wow. There is nothing else I can say. This place was spectacular. We actually went to this area for a wine tasting and somehow ended up here. Lucky for us it was the perfect mistake! read more