L’Arcane in the 18th has apparently become one of the followers of the formula given in the book “Food Business: La face cachée de la gastronomie françoise” to whit, to paraphrase, find a food desert with lower rents, have a talented chef and serve inventive food at reasonable prices. Well Laurent Magnin and wife have hit the jackpot.
Today we went again and Colette on entering and hearing a nearby couple speaking English, said “are they looking at you as if they know you?” Sure enough, they were and did.
Anyway, Madame, after welcoming us said the Chef, while serving the same bookend dishes, would serve us different entrees and plats than a week ago. Now that’s attention to detail.
Once again, every dish had multiple ingredients and spices, herbs and edible flowers, so here’s the presentation:
His signature smoked oyster on a smoked purée
Crab and citron mini-pseudo-sandwiches
Quail and mushrooms with a side-dish of a mushroom risotto with Parmesan
A different layered dessert with sorbet, cracker, figs, lime and meringue cigarettes
Nougat with red fruits and pistachio halves
Mignardises
And once again, the surprise lunch menu of 3 dishes, contained at least 6, some lost between my camera and the pc. And everything was terrific.
Our bill, with no bottled water but a bottle and glass of Les Darons (we had the last in their cellar, but by the time Colette is able to return, we suspect will be restocked) and 3 coffees, was 132.50€.
But of course you *are* being followed John!
It was myself and my wife who were your gawkers in the restaurant. I had just finished telling her how I had chosen the place.
Thank you again for the recommendation - the food and the service were both wonderful - and for how gracious you and your lovely wife were.
Posted by: Andy Gottlieb | October 10, 2017 at 10:13 AM