Robuchon. Always a pleasant experience.
There are the really indulgent ones, like Robuchon a Galera in Macau (no longer around; now it's the Robuchon au Dome at the Grand Lisboa).
Caviar, real truffles and foie gras for an appetizer, a no-holds-barred terrine ... The Filipina waitress pointed the cheapest degustation to me, which made this indignant yuppie order the most expensive one instead. I spent roughly P18K on that one meal. Charged it as 'educational expense'.
Another splurge Robuchon is the Joel Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World, Sentosa, Singapore, with these studs on your dessert plate.
Not as expensive and less stiff are the Robuchon 'Ateliers'.
Quick back story: Chef Joel Robuchon was honored as Chef of the Century as far back as 1989 then retired at the young age of 50. Then made a comeback with his ateliers, kicking them off in Tokyo and Paris (Saint Germain).
My first taste of the atelier was in Hong Kong, for my mom's birthday, in 2009.
Then in Singapore's Sentosa (adjacent to the Restaurant) in 2011, after one of the galas of the Miele Guide organized by the Ate PR.
I love the concept of the Atelier because:
1. It's set up like a bar so you can go by your lonesome without feeling too lonely, with the food - or the great food-tenders - as your company.
2. It's beautifully crafted food without the stiffness of being in a 'haute' environment. The guys in the kitchen really treat their work like art. And very seriously.
3. You can come in jeans. And even with your luggage.
4. It is budget-friendly. It's no McDonalds but you won't be busting P15K (350USD) either.
5. Service is always excellent: friendly, attentive, not condescending, willing to assist, not in-your-face.
In Paris just a couple of weeks ago I visited the original atelier, Robuchon Saint Germain.
At 10.45 p.m. Thank God they were still open. While it's common to find a resto open til late in Paris, in late July and August, a lot of restaurants are closed in the summer. Or absolutely require reservations because of the long line, especially on a Friday night. I was really lucky that this one was open.
First impression: the best front of house dude ever.
Warm, English speaking, witty, energetic. He gave me a card with his name but I can't find it. :P
Then there are the familiars: that tiny, foie gras-laden burger with the matching perfect fries an. the pomme puree truffee ...
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| Sorry, it was dark and the lights were red. :P |
... and the region-specific specialties, such as this quail cabbage roll.
There's a foie gras surprise inside!
If there's a group of you, there's an ante room .
And if you are friendly enough, you get a kitchen tour!
Robuchon. No wonder he has 28 Michelin stars to be proud of.
Robuchon Saint Germain.
5, rue Montalembert, Paris
+33(0)1 42 22 5656
atelier-robuchon.com
