Favourite moments at Le Gavroche Post lockdown

Friends that have seen my screensaver were not surprised that Le Gavroche was my first restaurant choice post lockdown. My first visit in February to the two Michelin starred restaurant was so delightful that as soon as I saw Michel Roux’s post on twitter, I booked a table within minutes .

My screensaver : Michel Roux and me….plus Elisha.

18.00 pm on a Thursday (opening week) why not? No one can remember the days of the week anymore, the last few months have felt like Groundhog Day.  Although I was a little anxious about jumping on the tube and socially distancing in a restaurant, my post lockdown visit was actually better than the first. Here are my favourite moments at Le Gavroche Post Lockdown.

1) The team at Le Gavroche

We were greeted by a friendly member of staff on entering the restaurant . They placed our coats and bags in the cloak room and promptly took us to our table. The team were all wearing masks and the tables well spaced out. The team were friendly and funny throughout the whole evening. The waiters, sommelier and everyone that served us really make Le Gavroche a place you want to come back to many times. The best way to describe it is a place with a homely feel.

2) Socially distancing neighbours become good friends.

The staff ushered us to an area of three tables, the middle remained empty and there was another couple aleardy seated at the end. Due to socially distancing there were fewer occupied tables. This allowed us to get a good view of the restaurant, but best of all we could hear our neighbours conversation. First timers to the restaurant celebrating their wedding anniversary. Listening to them enjoy the food as much as we did, while promising to come back soon. Later we managed to strike up a conversation, discussing our favourite dishes, I do not think this would have happened pre lockdown.

3) Order the souffle, it’s tradition

During our first visit Elisha and I both ordered the cheese souffle, one of Le Gavroche classic dishes. When the plates arrived we were aghast at the portion size . There was never any doubt about us finishing our individual souffles, but some might argue that one portion was good enough for two people. After  seeing me struggle to decide, our waiter explained the souffle can be ordered as a small starter. The souffle was light , creamy and above all very very cheesy. Smaller dish but equally delicious as the full size. Good news for those people who still want to keep room for pudding.
Eating this cheese souffle was definitely one of my favourite moments at Le Gavroche

I used my spoon to swipe every corner of the bowl and tried my best not to look at Elisha in case she asks for some. Unknowingly Elisha had the same thoughts while eating her Loch Duart Salmon and chive butter sauce. She told me how amazing the dish was ( best salmon she ever had ) after she finished eating by which point it was obviously too late for me to try some. Unbelievable right.

Loch duart salmon , chive butter sauce and buttered new potatoes

My scallops came out as soon as I finished the souffle. When Michel Roux came out I told him it was one of my faves.

Seared scallop , fresh peas , Parma ham and Kampot pepper foam
Seared scallop , fresh peas , Parma ham and Kampot pepper foam

4) Never forget to Pour the Jus

Elisha ordered a roast duck supreme, port jus and Spinach purée from the menu du jour , while I ordered a Roast Herdwick lamb , sweetbread, mint condiment and lamb jus from the menu exceptional. They kindly placed these dishes on the table and told us to pour our own Jus and left. We both took a bite out of our dishes and nearly bit our tongue. The lamb was soft and simply falls apart while chewing and the duck was just perfect. It was soo good we didn’t think it needed anything else , we quickly dispatched our plates ….then saw the jus when they came to pick up the jugs. We tried to come to terms with what we just did, but many days later it’s still a painful topic round the house. Never forget to pour the jus.

my favourite moments at Le Gavroche : Roast Herdwick lamb , sweetbread, mint condiment and lamb jus

 

Medium rare roast duck supreme, Port jus and spinach purée

5) Lemon tart vs strawberry and white chocolate Eclair

One of the great things about being in a couple is being able to share experiences together but this can sometimes be a little challenging when ordering desert. A compromise is  to order  different dishes to share , so no one will feel the dreaded food envy.  However this only works if each person actually shares their dish. After tasing the first bite of our individual dishes,  I ordered the eclair, elisha the lemon tart, we begrudgingly gave the other a small teaspoon to taste.  Sharing ceased and the rest of the desert was eaten in silence. For me this was brilliant, no food envy, no nagging on the way home for not sharing, I was very very content. My eclair was without doubt this years best dessert.

Best dessert Strawberry and white chocolate eclair, vanilla and lime sorbet

6) Lemon tart was soo good she had it twice.

I think the waiter gave her the idea if I am honest, after realising I had failed to share my dish. He suggested the eclair to Elisha, who replied dont judge me but I will have another lemon tart with my coffee please. The waiter and I looked at each other and laughed,  but Eisha explained she was serious. When it arrived no sharing occured not even a little teaspoon.

Elisha trying not to look up and share her dessert

 

Lemon tart and raspberries

Hope you enjoyed my favourite moments at Le Gavroche. Compliments to Michel Roux and his team. The dinner was soo bang on , I’m thinking we might go again for Christmas.

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