Le Nouveau Monde
Where? Le Nouveau Monde (Nantes, France) Map Menu
When? Friday May 5, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? French Fine Dining
Named in honour of Jules Verne, who was born in this building in 1828, Le Nouveau Monde is an upmarket restaurant in central Nantes that serves some classic Nantais cuisine. Their website listed frogs legs on the menu but unfortunately they aren't serving it today - I would have been so keen otherwise. I've gone for a three course meal from the Jules Verne Menu, which is €29.
Entree
Double tartare with salmon, yellowfin tuna and citron confit vinaigrette
The salmon and yellowfin tuna tartare arrives. It's got a delicate, smooth and creamy texture with lots of great flavours. The citrus is subtle but pairs perfectly with the fish. I think it's a pretty generous portion, given the quality of the ingredients. A very good start!
Mains
Cod with Nantais butter
The cod arrives with beautiful orange streaks of pumpkin and a side plate of creamy artichoke purée. The fish is cooked to perfection, smooth white flesh that falls nicely when I slice my knife through it. The Nantais butter is rich and has a sprinkling of lemon in it, and I'm happily soaking the baguette in the leftover sauce and purée. Another excellent dish.
Dessert
Chocolate dome with pistachio sand and hazelnut ice cream
Finally the chocolate dome is here. Wow. Decadent and so, so wonderfully rich, the chocolate mousse and pistachio biscuit base brings an appreciative smile to my face. It has crunch, it has depth, it is very well made - the glaze is so smooth and reflective I can see the blue sky outside on the surface of the dome. It reminds me very much of Louis Sergeant back home in Wellington.
Definitely the best meal I've had so far in France. The skill and finesse of the chef is evident in every dish served tonight, the menu is well thought out and presented immaculately. Parfait!
Posted by Jeremy at 8:14pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments :: 