I decided that we would lunch at Restaurant Dominique Bouchet for 3 reasons: it was a favorite pick of food writer Patricia Wells; it was close to the museum; and, most importantly, I could make a reservation on line. We arrived about 15 minutes early and were given the last open table. We were not the only English speakers in the room, just the only ones who did not also speak French. Everyone else was dressed for work, and at these prices, I suspect they were on an expense account. We had decided before we arrived that we would have the daily special menu (first course 19 euro, second course 28 euro) since we did the 5 courses yesterday. They did have an 11 course option for 98 euros but that was way too much on so many levels.
As always, Arnie choose a lovely wine.
Our first course was a salmon mousse on a bed of quinoa, layered with heirloom tomatoes with half of an asparagus thrown in for good measure. I wish I had a picture of the face of the young waitress who brought the dish when she realized that we didn’t speak French. I told her that she could explain it to us in French, and then I explained it to HER because she was so flustered. It was, OK. Actually, it was kind of bland. It could have used a little herb or vinegar or something to jazz it up. There was nothing complex about this dish although there were probably a lot of ingredients in the quinoa and the salmon.
The main course was a red mullet stuffed with baby squid and roasted peppers. It was cooked to perfection and the presentation was first rate, The table across from us asked for more sauce and if I knew how to do that I would have. That little schmear on the side didn’t add much. And, they never brought us bread, which was probably a good thing since we have been eating a baguette every night at dinner. But still.
For dessert I decided to go all the way and ordered the Grand Marnier soufflé. I remember the restaurant soufflés of the 80’s when the waiter would bring it out with a flourish then deflate it and add that wonderful creme anglaise poured in the middle. Nope, not here. And, the soufleé did not deflate, ever. I think Julia would say that it was overdone. It did have a lovely rise up over the pan.
In general the meal was...meh.
After lunch we walked to the Parc Monceau and that was just lovely. We made our way home and rested for a bit because it was 85 today and we are just not used to that. Then, we made our second trip to Rue Cler for some lovely things...
Here’s the restaurant’s link http://www.dominique-bouchet.com/#/en/restaurant/
Here's the link to the Parc Monceau album
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4067501091611.174583.1404825224&type=1&l=dc17399156
