La Tour d'Argent, Paris. Claims to be the oldest restaurant in the city with a rich history dating back to 1582. A former michelin 3 star it only retains 1 currently. Apperently losing it's 2 due to politics. I've never dined at a 3 star but reviews seem to say its as good if not better than when it had the 3.
The experience/service here does not exist in Vancouver, and I have doubts it really exists much within North America. It defines white glove service and i've never had anything half the level of Tour D'argent. Even the subtle, classic things such as the menu's for the females of the party not having prices felt like you were dipping back in time
They have the most valuable cellar in all of Europe worth 25 million Euro's. As you can see the wine menu is a massive book that weighs 15 pounds. They also have numerous vintages that do not have prices since they are one off's or 1/2 and can only be negotiated with the Sommelier who resides over the dinner service.
The Meal:
We opted for the set lunch menu substituting the main course with their canard à la rouennaise, which is their signature dish. You are presented a duck which is lightly seared. They then carve the breasts and thighs and put the rest of the carcass into the silver press, which they press all the blood, juices, fat, etc. out and create the gravy with these drippings along with cognac and wine. The duck itself was cooked perfectly and the sauce was super rich and delicious, i'd say ive had better duck but you've got to have this duck if you come.
For the appy they present you with a cold tomato bisque then whichever appy you selected, i had the fresh tomatoes with in house made mozzarella, by far the best mozza i've ever tasted and the other elements to the dish were crazy, different with every bite.
After the breast they serve the thigh meat which has been diced, seared with spices and wine with the little salad garnish. Then for Dessert I had the chocolate cake with coconut sorbet and shaved caramel and my GF had the strawberry shortcut with a vanilla sorbet and fresh white strawberries and some other elements
They then provide you with a cart of cheeses and a high tea type tray with various finger desserts, etc. served along side with espresso
I've had better overall meals locally but never anything close to the total package and elements of the lunch were up there in my tops
The bottle of wine was an 89' Chablis, we opted for a dry white for lunch while most were drinking reds. We drink a lot of wine and try to learn more and more with each bottle but we couldnt justify going any crazier than that bottle as we wouldnt appreciate it.
Overall i'll give it a 9.5
One thing i kind of have a problem with, and my post probably perpetuates the problem but it would be almost nice if places like these banned cameras. I went in feeling that it was in somewhat bad taste to be taking pictures throughout the meal, but all around us there were tables of Chinese tourists with DSLR's all over the tables. I know you're paying a pretty penny for the meal, etc. but when your somewhere with the etiquette such as this it seems very out of place. They were all very good about it and did not mind though.