Taillevent

We went to Taillevent last Friday for my wife’s birthday - I can’t think of a better place to celebrate an occasion. We went with our good friends Rod and Kathy Temperton (he wrote Thriller and many more). We hadn’t seen them for a few years and it was great to spend some time with them. We talked more than concentrated on the food and wine, so here are some quick notes:

Taillevent champagne to start:
Gougeres - I thought mine were good but these are light and airy with a hint of salt and Gruyere. There
was also some great bread and salted butter with dinner.
2004 Roulot Meursault Charmes - a great wine; still young with lots of spine and minerality and
probably cheaper than you could buy it - 220 Euros.
Salmon and horseradish cream with tiny radish on top - a fluffy texture with just hints of salmon and
horseradish
Crab & radishes - on the menu for a few years now but one of my favorite dishes
Spelt risotto with pumpkin and crispy prosciutto - a variation of another standard dish on the menu -
great.
Scallops and chestnut cream - I’m not a chestnut fan but this was subtle and delicious
John Dory with preserved lemon slice, tiny vegetables - another prix fixe menu standard but a great
combination of flavors
2001 Rousseau Chambertin - One of my favorite producers and a great wine. 330 Euros - can’t buy
it for that anywhere…
Two had veal and two had rabbit - the veal was so tender with favas; rabbit a little bland but came with
a great crunchy pastry filled with confit
Cheeses - Aisy Cendre by Berthaut with ash covering - similar to Epoisses but more mild; goat cheeses
and Comte.
Mango dessert - a fluffy dessert like 1,2,3 Jello with mango bits in the middle
Chocolate w/passion fruit - strong flavors and dense fudge like chocolate
Taillevent cognac - on the house and placed on the table for pouring
Petit fours - caramels, macaron, lemon tart, caneles

The usual great service, led by Jean-Marie Ancher, and an overall great meal. A more satisfying dinner than the one at Guy Savoy last September. Nothing super adventurous or inventive - just great flavors with great ingredients.

Wow, that’s sounds outstanding!

Thanks for the tip! Wine prices can’t be beat, and the food sounds right up my alley.

One of the things I miss most about my time living in Europe is the bread and butter.

Thanks for sharing Jerry.

And they have an incredible wine list…

Jerry,
Im heading there next month. Hope you left some Rousseau for me. Any other “deals” pop out at you from their list?

Happy Birthday to Mrs Hey.

sounds like a great meal Jerry.

Best Regards
Jeremy

long drive from Palos Verdes, but sounds worth it!
Happy Birthday to Cindy.
alan

My son will be celebrating his 18th birthday in Paris, and we are planning to take him to Taillevent. Glad to see, it is as good as ever.