Food of the May Europe Trip: Part 2 - L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile (Paris)

Why didn't I make this part 1? I'm not sure, let's blame user error...

Anyway, we decided to go to one of our favorites for our "memorable" Paris dinner and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile did not disappoint. I might actually say it was the best meal (food wise and of course we got to see into the kitchen) ever...

We did the 8 course tasting menu:

L'Amuse-Bouche: what's better than Foie Gras? That's easy, Fois Gras  reduction, a thin layer of balsamic vinegar and a top layer of parmesan foam.  Amazing.

Le Caviar Imperial: beautiful caviar along with cauliflower, chilled beef stock and a selection of oils in chilled coconut milk. Another incredible course as long as you can get past the fact that the beef is basically beef fat.

Bread, can't forget about the bread!

Le Zephyr au Fromage: A cheese souffle and custard with green asparagus and beet slices.

Le Homard: Now that's what I'm talking about, lobster! Cooked in a pea broth and incredibly well seasoned.

Le Foie Gras: Yes, round 2 :) This time our goose friend makes an appearance perfectly seared with kumquat  compote and pomegranate juice.

Le Salmon: Not just salmon, the greatest salmon ever. I wish I could recall the story of where this little beast was from because it was pretty cool. You'll just have to deal with my picture and description. Cooked perfectly, with mango noodles and chili oil.

L'agneau de Lait: Lamb Chops with thyme and (off to the side) mashed potatoes. We heard the story of how  Joel Robuchon started to make his name for himself, it was with his incredible mashed potatoes - half potato, half butter. Great main course.

Le Parfum des Iles: Glorious layers of creamy passion fruit, amber rum and coconut. From someone who doesn't like dessert, this is a must have!

Le Jaune Fleuri: a beautiful citrus cheesecake with fruit.

Almost forget to take a picture of the madelines... because you know we hadn't had enough food. 

After a visit from the Grand Marnier it was time for a double espresso.

So overall, a very impressive and memorable meal, we've debated since what was our favorite and I don't think we were able to decide but that salmon was definitely in the running.