La Cerisaie in the 14th: "Better than ever," my old friend said.

The other day, my main food guy whom I've known long enough to have been in our wedding, said 'Let's go to Cerisaie."  "Good idea," said I.  "Let's do it."

To some extent, nothing's changed since 2003 when it opened under Cyril and Maryse Lalanne's control; it still has an astonishingly comprehensive carte plus 4 specials; something for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We argued among ourselves as to who got the best starter; all were superb; the fresh morilles with egg, white asparagus and a cassoulet of beans, escargots and chorizo.

 

 For mains we had sauteed foie gras (which could have been a bit warmer but I think chef wanted to retain the moist inside) with polenta, a civet of tripes, that Paga had dropped by the resto earlier this week to ensure was on the carte, and a lovely salmon; again all the dishes were, like Lake Woebegon, above average.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I hesitate to say it again, but all our desserts were terrific as well; from the fluffy/runny caramel mousse through the dried fruit jam with roquefort ice cream (you read that right) to the strawberries and ice cream.

With super bread, 2 bottles of Pays de l'Herault wine and 4 coffees our bill came to 100.50 E a couple; right there on the price line.