Yippee!! I can eat again!!
After 4 full days of a rebelled stomach causing pain, suffering and starvation. My appetite is finally back and my fragile digestive system is also holding up. During the aforementioned food-poisoning period, my main staple was vintage 2024 Electrolyte water which I consumed more of than the rest of my entire life combined!!
Deprived and forced to forsake meals at Les Enfant du Marche ( inside Marche des Enfant Rouge ), Clamato and L’Arpege due to my condition. I was grateful that we could stay with this reservation. A non-star French-Japanese fusion restaurant with an impressive 5.0/5.0, 250+ Google reviews.
The restaurant has an interesting set-up, with the kitchen on the ground floor and a quaint, cozy and artfully decorated dining room on a second level above it, linked by a steep narrow staircase.
Service was impeccable!..super-friendly, professional and helpful………IMO, can easily rub shoulders with some multi Michelin stars establishments!
With a modus-operandi that follows the Japanese ‘ trust-the-chef ‘, Omakase approach, our meal was an 8 course affair.
Offerings include:
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Marinated barely cooked Scottish Salmon with daikon, dashi and Ikura
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Normandy Scallops Ceviche with Japanese influence. ( reminded me of some Peruvian versions I had )
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Salad of In-season White Asparagus
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Seared Perigord Foie Gras with Teriyaki glaze, crispy beets on Shari rice
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French Turbot with seafood mousse roll, cream sauce
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Grilled Charolais Beef, red wine reduction
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Duo desserts of sorbet and homemade ice-cream and home-baked Tarte Tatin.
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Petit Fours
The inspired creation, though not overly innovative, was lovingly prepared, visually pleasing, balanced, delicate and delicious. However, the dominating ‘tangy component‘ found in the first three appetizer courses, IMO could be toned down a bit?! Overall, the criteria for the ‘total package’ of fine food, wine, service, table setting, atmosphere and value was easily met. A personal farewell greeting by the chef owner Nanaumi himself was a nice ‘Japanese hospitality‘ touch!
A potential Michelin 1* addition for the next issue as predicted by many reviewers……we shall see?!
Overall, an enjoyable and welcoming ‘Asian influenced‘ dining experience after a whole week of excessive, sometimes heavy, Spanish food.
