This year's birthday celebration

Arôme is the place I chose for my birthday dinner. Newly renovated with a very accomplished chef, it was a memorable experience.


This year for my birthday dinner, Françoise and I went to Arôme--a favorite restaurant of mine that has one Michelin star. My friend, Eric Martens is the owner/director of the place. He is a perfectionist and quite passionate about his work. Last summer, the restaurant underwent major renovations. Now the room is beautiful and warm, with touches of Japanese-style decorations. Behind the glass wall at back, one can see everything that goes on in the kitchen.

They serve my favorite champagne, so of course we ordered that: the Billecart Salmon Rosé. Such a flavorful wine that lends itself to special occasions. We chose one of the several menus they offer and started with the Emietté de tourteau (fresh crab), tartare de tomate et sorbet basilic. This was attractively presented in a sleek martini glass.

For the next course, we had Homard d'Amérique du Nord en gelée (probably Canadian lobster in a salad), crème d'avocat, concombre, granny smith et emulsion de betterave (beet). Because of the beet sauce, it sounds strange, but the dish was both beautiful and delicious. It too was served in a martini glass.

For our main course, we had the pièce de veau aux herbes de Garrigues, girolles, ail, amandes fraiches, haricots beurre, émulsion d'herbes. What a wonderful combination and how well the fresh almonds contrasted with the rest of the dish.

With each dish, the sommelier prepared a glass of wine to bring out the flavors of both wine and food. More and more, this has become the custom in France: wines served by the glass to enhance the flavors in the dish.
We had the wondrous soufflé au Citron de Menton, sorbet au fromage blanc et au citron. A spectacular ending to an unforgettable meal.

Afterwards, Eric brought us into the kitchen to meet the friendly Thomas Boullault, who is Arôme's very talented chef. All in all, an experience to record as one of my best food memories.