Fans of molecular gastronomy and other experimental recipes might chock in their aerated sous-vide hollandaise or red cabbage gazpacho with grain mustard ice cream at the idea of a good old veal fillet normande or baba au rhum. However, those in search of a great French gastronomy trip down memory lane will love the Gourmets des Ternes, the Knightsbridge outpost of the traditional Parisian bistro beloved of Jack Nicholson, Mick Jagger, Francis Ford Coppola, Liam Neeson, Uma Thurman and Sharon Stone.
The décor The ground floor houses a traditional Parisian bistro boasting the same menu and décor than its Parisian big brother, which opened and 1962 in the 8th district: simple and authentic, as one would expect from a traditional French brasserie. The tables are covered with paper clothes that boast the signatures of all its celebrity clients, which makes for fun reading. On the first floor is an intimate Champagne and foie gras bar, with a capacity of 25-30 people, which has a more contemporary, design led vibe.
The food Specialising in all types of seasonal meat and fish, the produce is fresh and imported from France, with secret family recipes found in most dishes. It is indeed a family affair, with Maximilien Marie, the 23-year old grandson of Francis Marie, who opened the original Les Gourmets des Ternes restaurant in 1962, at the helm of the London outpost. The menu is simple and as traditional as it gets, with dishes such as eggs mayonnaise, rillettes, andouillettes and the like, reminiscent of a 1970s French family Sunday lunch and all perfectly executed. As retro and good as it gets…
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