Another small place located upstairs in part of the Thoumieux Hotel, has a lounge like setting – lots of couches rather than chairs. I found the bench seat way too low for comfortable dining and needed to cram their pillows behind me to give me back support. It had a weird vibe to me from the start, with the staff being efficient but not all that friendly. The lunch menu was presented without adequate explanation and we had to ask several times and people for a wine list. The contrast of a place resting on their already received 2 Michelin stars vs those still trying for that rating was huge.

Everyone’s meal starts with about 5 amuse bouche and although they were all artful many had little depth of flavor. Their “fish and chips” was an exception with an exquisitely fried potato topped with shaved raw fish. The truffle tart smelled heavenly when they brought it out for you to see but by the time it arrived at the table the truffles had lost much of their essence. The presentation of the plates was another source of irritation with the timing usually being rushed. Both our entree plates were very nice but the choice of them turned out to be an expensive option, which was not explained.

They tried to win me over, as many would have, with a series of desserts that were all quite fine but I found the box presentation of the custard cups annoying somehow and why the choice of a porcelain fowl foot to put a chocolate ball on and then break on the nice white linen almost bordered on offensive. This place and chef by the accolades already received, should have done a much better job. Beautiful presentations without an equal taste level, at least the portions were small enough that I was ready for a nicer dinner!