We went to three Michelin starred restaurants during our recent trip to France, and La Mere Brazier, with two stars, was the third. We chose La Mere Brazier for its historical gastronomic role in Lyon and France, but more honestly for its affordable lunch menu, which was highly appealing after spending a small fortune at the three Michelin star we went to several days earlier.
The lunch menu is 98 euro per person, and is inclusive of three selectable dishes off the Euguenie Brazier Menu: a starter, main, and dessert. For 98 euro this initially does not appear like much, but several additional amuse-bouche (and bread) are served throughout the meal.
Before even deciding on the menu, we were welcomed with an outstanding pâté and cherries to share. After choosing the lunch menu, which the majority of tables around us chose as well, we decided to split a bottle of pinot noir from the Côte de Nuits, where we had been several days before on a wine tour. The sommelier decanted the bottle and spent some time discussing the wine with us. Delicate with red fruit and a slight barrel note it was lovely to sip on for lunch.
We were served with a second surprise amuse-bouche, which was very nice, but unfortunately I don’t quite remember what it was. A raw fish with a cherry sauce, as I recall. Nevertheless it was nice and light, especially after the heavier pâté. We were also served bread alongside superb butter and olive oil.
I was then served with my first starter, the famous artichoke and foie gras. Lovely textural contrast between the creamy foie gras and crunchy artichoke. Fantastic dish. My partner got the arctic char which was light and refreshing.
Our main course, roasted duckling served medium rare, arrived. The duck was exceptionally flavorful and tender, and was balanced well with the slivers of nectarine, berry juice, and carrot puree. This also paired very well with the pinot.
Transitioning into dessert, we received our third off-menu amuse-bouche, a fantastic rum baba with some diced mango on the bottom and a mango compote on top.
Our final chosen course arrived. I ordered the souffle with an orange blossom ice cream. The souffle was immaculately delicate. Orange is not my ideal ice cream flavor, but it was good nevertheless. My partner had the roasted figs as her dessert, which she enjoyed and also loved the coconut rice served with it. We were served additional gelatinous sweets, one was a hazelnut, the other I believe was parsley based.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience at La Mere Brazier for lunch. 98 euro is a great value for what was served (we were full by the end of the meal), and the service was polished and convivial. The dining rooms were very pretty as well and we were there for a little under 3 hours.
by NYnosher
Dining and Cooking