“You get what you pay for” is the adage, and in the case of 100 Patates, this is a pretty accurate description of our meal.
A French chain specialising in cheese in all its cooked forms from tartiflette to fondue, I picked it as one of the cheaper options for trying fondue in Luxembourg, in part because this seasonal special dish comes with quite a hefty price tag at many brasseries.
Located in the Kinepolis Kirchberg complex, 100 Patates is strategically well located for a quick lunchbreak from work, a post-shopping brunch, or a pre-cinema meal.
A cosy, welcoming space
Inside, it’s a welcoming space, with plenty of lights, a wall of grasses (which might be artificial) and a tree covered in fairy lights.
The tables for two, four and six are nicely spaced apart, with room for wheelchair users, and the chairs or banquettes are very comfortable.
On a Saturday lunch time we are seated in a corner, and I notice that the waiting staff are careful to spread the clientele across the restaurant to ensure a little privacy.
Located in the Kinepolis Kirchberg complex it has a light, cosy feel inside © Photo credit: Sarita Rao
Service comes with a welcoming smile, and our order is taken within about 15 minutes.
There are however only two waiting staff, which works well in a half-full restaurant, but might mean a longer wait if the restaurant is busier.
Since none of the draft beers were on offer – we had planned to sample some Chouffe – we opt for a glass of Chardonnay at a very reasonable €5.90.
We order a Fondue Savoyard which offers a blend of Emmental, Comté and Beaufort cheeses, and a tartiflette with ham, bacon and Munster cheese.
Not home-made to the tastebuds
100 Patates has the tag line “comme à la maison” at the end of its menu, but the dishes served are not like those you would prepare at home, but rather more a conveyor belt exercise.
Our main dishes were ready within ten minutes of ordering, which suggests that they were pre-made and heated up, or that the key ingredients came ready-prepared, such as cubes of ham, cubes of potatoes and onions, or fondue sauce, and were quickly assembled and shoved in the oven.
The generous serving of tartiflette had a processed taste which is a shame because it looks so good © Photo credit: Sarita Rao
The dishes were nicely displayed – the tartiflette hot pan on a wooden board with a bowl of salad, and the fondue served with charcuterie (cured ham and salami), small bread crouton sticks in a basket, and a baked potato.
This is comfort food, and you can literally feel your waistline expanding from the hit of cheese and potato, so it’s perfect for the colder months.
The tartiflette was bubbling when served, but it was obvious the potatoes had not been cooked in the cream sauce with onions, bacon and ham, but it had all been mixed together, topped with cheese and then warmed up.
The cream sauce had a decidedly processed dairy taste, although it was suitably gooey with a generous amount of ham and Munster cheese.
One meal will keep you full all day © Photo credit: Sarita Rao
A good selection of cheese choices and more on the menu © Photo credit: Sarita Rao
My partner’s fondue was not kept warm by the tiny tea light underneath it, and in all honesty had the texture of sludge.
A less-than generous portion for one, it was not enough to dip all the accompaniments into. This wasn’t helped by its thick consistency, making it easier to use a knife to spread it on the baked potato and charcuterie. We left the basket of bread uneaten.
The menu also included plenty of other dishes including steak and chips – a generous portion being eaten by the man sitting at the table beside us, but also burgers, salads and a good selection of desserts.
Quick service and good prices
It’s certainly passable fare, but nothing I’d go out of my way for. Service was quick, so perfect if you want to grab something before a night at the cinema.
The tartiflette cost €16.90 and the fondue €19.90, and with two glasses of wine and a bottle of sparking water the bill came to a very reasonable €53.10.
We were full for the rest of the day, so not a bad price when you consider the quantity or size of the dishes, but don’t expect quality for the price.
And if you have never tried fondue or raclette, I’d dig a bit deeper into your purse when choosing a restaurant to sample it.
Details
100 Patates: 45 Avenue John F Kennedy, Kirchberg 1855
Monday to Sunday 11:30 to 14:30 and 18:00 to 22:30 (23:00 on Saturdays/Sundays)
The restaurants reviewed in the “Table Talk” column are not informed that a reporter is visiting. Mediahuis Luxembourg pays a contribution towards the cost of the meal. The rest is paid by the reviewer.
Dining and Cooking