What do you give a man on his 67th birthday? M had the answer: dinner at La Méditerranée.
What do you give a man on his 67th birthday? M had the answer: dinner at La Méditerranée.
We were ushered to our table, facing the Théatre de L’Odéon, and crisp radishes with butter from Normandy and sel de mer were placed before us in anticipation of flutes of Ruinart rosé.
We knew we would be having seafood but wanted to skip the white wine cliché and were delighted when our sommelier selected a 2009 Beaune-Grèves 1er Cru rouge from Domaine Jacques Prieur.It had a delicate nose of red fruit, was long on the bouche with a big finish-delicious or more precisely un rève!
For starters I selected a light and refreshing carpaccio of bar that was perfect but a distant second to M’s crabmeat with leeks.
Although La Méditerranée is refined and elegant the portions are Texas-sized and we took our time with the médaillons de lotte cuisinée comme la paella and line caught filet of merlan.
After an appropriate pause we were served a potent eau de vie mirabelle with which to enjoy a velvety tiramisu and fraises de bois bathed in crème anglaise.A lovely evening to be repeated often.
Ten years ago John Baxter and I had a delightful lunch here to plan my invasion of France–it took a little longer than we had planned but I’m here.
Last week (July 2012) my friends from San Antonio, Lionel and Kathy Sosa were in town for their annual visit and a chance to explore venues for an exhibit of Kathy’s art.
I wanted to share an art-filled ambiance so we headed to La Méditerranée. It is a gorgeous dining room with murals painted by Christian Bérard. Jean Cocteau was a regular since the opening in 1942 and the napkins and plates feature his design.
As the name suggests you will find a predominantly seafood menu (carnivores are welcome– 2 or 3 options are available) inspired by the Cote d’Azur beginning with a rich soupe de poisson avec rouille. We selected an assortment of entrées accompanied by a buttery white 2010 Crozes-Hermitage from Laurent Combier.
Tartare de thon Rouge, Huile d’Olive San Guido
Petites Sardines du Midi en deux recettes, marinées à la Tomate et en Accras
Asperges vertes du Lubéron, sauce Vinaigre au jus de Carotte
We drank slowly so there was enough to savor with Filets de Rouget barbet à l’ Anchoïade, Pomme Ratte écrasées à la fourchette (my main course 10 years ago), Filet de Saint Pierre au beure persillé , Fondue de Tomate et pomme Purée and Daurade Royale Laquée de Miel , Polenta Crémeuse au Vieux Parmesan-the honey glaze added a crunch and light sweetness.
Next up was a cheese assortment washed down with a Sancerre rouge, followed by a dessert and a yummy 2003 Coteaux de Saumur Grise from Chateau Tour in the Val de Loire.
A little pricey à la carte but the luncheon menus at 26 euros entrée, plat and 30 euros entrée, plat, desert are a very good value and you’ll love the space.
La Mediterranée
2, Place de l’Odéon 75006
Tél :33 (0)1 43 26 02 30
Metro: Odéon
