Have you ever seen a place and just by the look of it, you know it is going to be good? Or better yet: You see a place and your name is written on it, not literally speaking, but you know it is your kind of place?
Well, when we walked by Chez Serge I stopped in my tracks turned around, and proclaimed, "Lunch! This is were we are going to have lunch."
The piece of art or mirrors going up the stairway, reminded me of Pascale Palun's artwork. I would't be surprised if she created it, or at least inspired the person who did. Every step had my name.
My mouth watered, good decor, lovely aroma, I couldn't wait to see the menu.
Upstairs in the century old village house several tables stood, a few in the corners for intimacy some with a view, a thin curtain added atmosphere between the two rooms.
Usually tables adorn the spacious inner courtyard, but since winter is upon us, upstairs was more inviting.
I read, "The owners name starts with "Gou" – which relates to "gout" the French word for taste – and it has not been by sheer coincidence that the famous gastronomy and wine guide Gault & Millau came to the land of truffles to seek and find Serge Ghoukassian and to honour him with the title of Best Sommelier of the year 2008!Overwhelmed by the charms of the region, he develops an admiration for the vineyards and winemakers. He organises day-tours to the vineyards and is the guide himself … a very contagious passion.
"…Serge is also like – the good things, yes … but not elitist and exorbitant, just the right interplay of quality and price, bon vivant, conviviality, entertainment, gossip and anecdotes …"
And folks that is one hundred percent true.
The mile long wine list was like reading a novel that takes you from the beginning to the end on a wonderful ride throughout France.
As this is the season of truffles the menu was decorated with various plates serving them. We had the fixed menu: 17 Euros which included a starter, we had pumpkin soup with Parmesan, truffle and blinis. Followed by a main course and then dessert.
Now most people who have gone or will go to Chez Serge will tell you how amazing the food is, which is true, they will write in detail of their taste bud experience, and show mouthwatering photos, which I could do the same. But I want to talk about the bread and butter.
When I go into a restaurant in France, if the baguette isn't top notch, not all baguettes are created equal, then my snobby side tries to take over: A mediocre baguette in France means the restaurant cannot measure too high in my book.
Chez Serge's baguette was excellent, and the butter OMG! Let me add that in France butter is rarely served with bread. You can ask for butter, and maybe you will have butter, but it is not a given when it comes to a baguette served with a meal. Imagine the delight to be served a perfect baguette that didn't need butter, but wore it like a million dollars.
Dang if my taste buds didn't do a happy dance.
The butter was a mixture of:
Butter,
Olive oil,
Rock salt
and truffle specks.
Delicious. I could have had the butter, er and baguette and a glass of wine and called it a heavenly feast. But dessert followed and knocked me to the floor.
All was good, so good, as French Husband would say.
Chez Serge served dessert that was called Mousse Pops or something odd like that. But that was the only thing odd about it. When the dessert arrived I knew my name was on it. The 'Pops' were white chocolate shells filled with frozen chocolate mousse served with carmelized nuts.
I am going back.
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For more information:
In Carpentras:
Where to stay in Carpentras:
36 Place Du Docteur Cavaillon,
Carpentras, France 84200
Phone: 4-9051-9998
(I am NOT paid to say these things. Though I wish I were.)
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