Where should I start and how should I start? I suppose many of you might presume by now that I've been paid by La Petite Maison to write about them. Articles, reviews, videos and every time I'm asked to recommend a place to enjoy a fine dinner, LPM is the first name that pops out. I do enjoy this place; it relaxes me. I love its food, its ambiance and professional service, and this is why I come back whenever I have the chance to do so.
Tonight, celebrating LPM's first year anniversary, accompanied by my lovely wife, I spent a memorable night in the company of Raphael, Yannick, Miro, Bob, Olivier, Nina, Rayan, Mira and all the worldwide team of La Petite Maison, who had flown from London and Dubai to celebrate the success story that started in Lebanon a little more than 12 months ago.
For their first anniversary, La Petite Maison celebrated with the Gipsy Queens. The Gypsy Queens is a French pop band, originating from Nice. The five-piece band is an outfit worth seeing, and consists of Didier Casnati (Italian lead singer and front man), Fred Novelli (French double-bassist), Anders Klunderud (Norwegian guitarist and ex- professional footballer), Jack Kane (Scottish saxophonist) and Manuel Polin (Mexican drummer). I'm not sure if you want me to describe the place again, its ambiance, service and food, since I've done that quite a few times already... Believe me when I say, that tonight's dinner was enchanting. The food was impeccable, as always, especially so in the presence of the famous Raphael himself. The ambiance was breathtaking and a band that knows the art of fun entertained us. The waiters were exceptional and well trained... A night to be remembered.
Mohammad Radi, our waiter has been working at LPM for the last year. Happy doing what he does, he took all the time in the world to make us remember this night. Smiling and subtly opening up some conversation, he definitely added a touch to the party.
Dinner started with a cherry cocktail, tonight's special, followed by a series of dishes the place has become known for. The journey started with a green pea salad, fresh and simple. The warm shrimp in olive oil and lemon were great, as always. Pissaladiére with anchovies, three simple yet tasty bites served on a rectangular plate. The Caesar salad, a simple one with Portobello mushrooms and artichokes, a unique innovation I discovered a few weeks ago while
spending sometime with Rapahel in the kitchen. Dinner continued while we moved to the main plates, a dish of fish and another of meat. I think you'll believe me if I tell you that I've never eaten a dish that's so pure, so white, so juicy and so tasty as well as a meat that's close to none. I ate six of the world's best meat last week in London and this one was even better.
While we enjoyed a calm dinner by candlelight, the Gypsy Queens toured around, reciting their repertoire on every table. They sang “That's Amore” to us as they continued playing until the first hour after midnight.
I expected entertainment but not something as vibrant as the Gypsy Queens. They danced, sang, jumped on tables and even did their grand finale in the kitchen, thanking the team. No microphones and no stage, their way of walking around put a smile on all our faces. A beautiful night we didn't want to end, perfect on all levels, amazement struck us all.
After dessert, where we enjoyed some caramel mousse and passion fruit posset, we left happy counting the minutes to our next visit. I hope the Gypsy Queens would come to Lebanon soon enough reviving the Lebanese nightlife scene.
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