Really, there is no need to review this restaurant in the sense that it has received a 2-star Michelin rating, and therefore, needs no further endorsement. That being said, it’s been fun to look at their menu (that they kindly sent to us after we returned home) and think about what we ordered.
No photos, either. We didn’t want to look completely like uncouth Americans!
For hors d’oeuvres, we had the following:
Coeur d’Artichaut “Lucullus” (artichoke filled with foie gras, truffles and chicken mousse), which was voted the favorite appetizer at the table;
Escalope de Foie Gras Poêlée, Prunelles et Amandes (pan fried duck foie gras with damsons and marcona almonds);
Coquilles St Jacques Rôties, Choux, Rutabaga et Estragon (roast scallops with winter cabbage, swede and tarragon veloute); and
Consommé de Champignons et Salsifis Canard Fumé et Flan de Persil (clear mushroom consommé, roast salsify, smoked duck and parsley flan).
For the main course, we ordered:
Darne de Turbot Rôtie, Carottes, Navets et Radis Beurre Blanc à la Ciboulette (roast “T” bone of wild turbot, carrots, turnips, radish and chive butter sauce);
Filet de Veau Rossini (veal fillet with foie gras and truffle madeira sauce); and
Epaule d’Agneau de Lait Braisée, Olive Pimentées (braised shoulder of Pyrenean lamb with spiced olive crumb, roast potatoes and garlic).
There was no consensus here, but I think the lamb was the best dish.
And, finally, for dessert, we stuffed ourselves with:
L’Assiette du Chef (an assortment of the chef’s favorite desserts); and
Soufflé aux Fruits de la Passion et Glace Ivoire (hot passion fruit soufflé with white chocolate ice cream).
Naturally, there were also petit fours to end the meal with because the restaurant was worried you might not have eaten enough.
Service was efficient and impeccable and friendly (in the British way, not the American way). The food was beyond wonderful! All in all, the 2-star Michelin rating was well deserved.
Le Gavroche is located at 43 Upper Brook Street in London (www.le-gavroche.co.uk).