Packed on a Saturday, we arrived at Le Recamier to have lunch. Le Recamier is a casual restaurant specialising in all kinds of “Soufflés”, savory and sweet. Fish, cheese, magret de canard or spinach followed by a selection of sweet treats. Professionally served in a place with dimmed lighting and a classy ambiance, we had lunch.
A small sized restaurant with a bar, several square and rectangular white tables covered with grey runners topped with a fork, knife and a glass of water. Leather sofas for relaxing seating. Covered with wood parquet, the space is also decorated with writings from famous plays.
It happened by coincidence that I ordered gluten-free meals. The spinach and tomato sauce souffle followed by the apricot and peach for dessert. We were six, making it easy to try many of the menu’s choices. I loved the food at Le Recamier.
- Eggplant caviar which felt like a moutabbal batenjen before ordering it. A cream of intensely cooked eggplant enjoyed like a purée on pain de mie. The generous portion comes with a side salad which was unfortunately way too salty to be edible.
- My wife’s ravioli in a bowl were really good. Not the large sized ravioli like the Italians do, but a bowl of mini square ravioli bathing in a white cream. Served hot, the ravioli are lovely. My fellow diner's had the sucrine salad and the green bean salad - both were enjoyed and the plates were finished. My kids enjoyed a tender and juicy chunk of meat each. The omelette is way better than La Mere Poulard’s; big and baveuse!
- The soufflé: never imagined myself eating a savory soufflé when we are used to it as a dessert. Magret de canard or spinach, a big fluffy ball served with a sauce on the side. Light and airy, served hot, filled with air bubbles keeping it high and embracing a handful of rich flavors. Spinach or magret are felt in every single bite. When you try something like this, it gives you ideas and makes understand why this restaurant is famous.
Wait until you you’ve tried the dessert souffles... I’m not a fan at all, never liked souffles anyway but this place does them beautifully well! Excellent soufflé served hot, the dark chocolate one is a must try, the apricot and peach is outstanding, the grand mariner will make your heart skip a beat, aromatic vanilla from Madagascar and caramel - it can’t be missed. Oh my goodness! My favorite is the gluten-free apricot and peach which has the most up class and rich flavors.
This soufflé specialist is an interesting restaurant you have to try if you’re a soufflé fan.
