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2013-10-28
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It was the last weekend that my in-laws were in town for this trip, and we wanted to dine somewhere nice. This was our perfect excuse to dine at the Robuchon, though to be honest, i had no idea that we were going to be dining at "Le Jardin" when i thought i had called "L'atelier" to make the reservation. Nor did i know what was the difference. It was one of those many restaurants i have heard of, wanted to try, but never got round to it until now. My in-laws had no idea where we were going, thou
Upon arrival, we were led through what i assume to be the L'atelier area, where guests were seated in high stools-around-a-bar arrangement (except the "bar" in question was the food preparation area, which is similar to the arrangement at Liberty Private Works). We then reached an intimate dining area with dark decor, dim lighting, and a nice view of the terrace where tables had been set with floral arrangements. The staff that served us at Le Jardin were all asian (quite rare as there are usually a few westerners in the mix), and we found the service to be impeccable.
We ordered still water and champagne, and all of us opted for the Menu Decouverte. The bread basket came with an array of selection, and we were spoilt for choice. And the butter that came with the bread was to-die-for.. i had to make a conscious effort to stop myself from eating too much bread and butter as i knew i would otherwise be full before the actual food arrived. The amuse bouche was a sweet potato and (a separate) salmon concoction; the staff had the salmon concoction changed to zuccini for me as it was not advised for pregnant women.
Next came the caviar. I found the presentation to be interesting, and although it looked like a round tin of caviar, there were actually three layers consisting of a top layer of caviar, middle layer of jelly, and a bottom layer of crab meat. The blend of flavors opened up our appetites for more. Then came the maine lobster. The meat was tender and flavorful, the only thing i would have changed is to ask for no ginger (as i'm not a fan of it).
This was followed by the warm soft boiled egg with baby spinach puree and aged Comte cheese mousse. This seemingly simple dish was deceptively delish, and one of my favorites in the menu. Next on the menu was the warm dark foie gras, which was very good with the muscat grapes but again, i wished i had asked for the ginger to be excluded from the dish. Then came the seabass with lemongrass foam and stewed baby leeks. This was very nicely presented with 3 different condiments on the right-hand side of the dish. Personally, i found the dish to be flavorful enough not to add the condiments.
By this time, i was starting to wonder if i could eat anymore. The "main dish" came and there was a choice between free-range quail with foie gras, or pan-seared wagyu beef. I opted for the latter, and when the dish was presented, i could already smell the aroma of the beef. As i savored the bite-sized melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes, the dish sealed its status as my favorite on the menu.
For dessert, there was raspberry tulle with chestnut mousse, caramel mousse with chocolate cream and anise flavored pear compote, and petit fours (all presented separately). All of which was excellent, though the caramel mousse with chocolate cream and anise flavored pear compote stood out for me in terms of the blend of flavors.
Taking into account the food, the service and the environment, this was by far one of my best dining experience ever. It is definitely a rare occurence to say that everything on the menu was outstanding!
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