This summer, I get to return to France for my summer classes but this time, I get to go to a totally different region that I did not know before: Franche-Comté. As luck would have it, public works to built a new tramway for the city of Besançon is in full throttle, stirring up dust everywhere, coupled with the heat of summer - I felt like I've not left Malaysia!
To cut the story short, I was tired and 'lost' because of some technical error on my place of stay and so, once everything settled down, I went strolling to get to know the city a bit. I was in Galleries Lafayette (bought myself a panama hat) and I casually asked the salesperson if she knew any good place to have dinner, one that will restore some strength to the weary traveller and she excitedly suggested "le Poker d'As". It actually sounded vulgar in English but luckily it was in French...As it was summer, the sky was still bright at dinner time (19H00) and as I arrived (the restaurant has a rather sombre allure on its facade), the Maitre D was in the midst of preparing the tables and service. Well, it did take me awhile to find the place, having being sent on a wild goose chase by the French on the street, and this, I can communicate perfectly in French! Every person in the street suggested an opposite direction of the precedent (which was already wrong to begin with!) until I finally gave up on them and used THE MAP. I reckon this is a fair warning to all would-be travellers out there - trust your map than those confused locals!
Back to the restaurant, well the Maitre D, which is a lady, showed me to a table after having took my panama. I was allowed in even though I was in shorts and was given a menu to ponder on while the waiters continued busying themselves with the tables. I chose the 39.20 Euro menu consisting of 4 entrees: an entree, a main dish, a cheese tasting and a dessert. Not bad, value for money...
the main entrance
The interiors of the restaurant is dimly lit with a lot of wood and rustic decor in the Alsatian flavor. Not surprised, we are very close to Alsace and Switzerland...
the hanging bells vary in sizes - the largest is a REAL one used for prize winning cows during a competition!
rustic settings of the restaurant
my table - notice the hand painted plates...
an amuse bouche - mousse of cucumber with espelette pepper, a special labelled AOC red hot pepper from the Basque region in Southern France.
First course - Croustillante of escargot of Bourgogne, crayfish and fresh Girolle mushroom. Too heavy on the salt. The prawn bisque sauce has a nice tangy base but still way too salty.
Main course: slow-cooked canette (young duck) with panfried cherries (now in season) and lemon-scented pearl barly, served with potatoes confit. OK
Good selesction of cheese. tried two eventhough there are quite a few to choose from.
I didn't die for the dessert because it wasn't impressive enough for me. Too sweet and too acidic at the same time. I find the overall composition of taste too "busy" on the tongue.
Little something to accompany the dessert; a madaleine, a truffle, a crispy caramel chips and a tiny meringue.
the service table at the entrance to the restaurant
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