When I was a kid, I wanted to be one of those people who were randomly fluent in French. I imagined myself sitting in a quaint little cafe, surrounding by picturesque surroundings…and effortlessly ordering everything on the menu.
What can I say? I dream big.
Chicken Liver Parfait, spiced port and fig chutney, and sliced baguette, $16
Well, I’ve learnt now that Spanish is really the language that I need to learn now for the cutting edge of food advancement, but in the meantime, French food still needs eating. And eating, and eating, and eating.
Classic Steak Tartare, $18
Classic Steak Tartare, $18
Croque Madam, $17
Roasted duck, lardon, cos lettuce, shaved parmesan, anchovy vinaigrette, sliced avocado, $18
You know what? La Grande Bouffe is serving up classic French dishes that still feel relevant. The Salad Nicoise – commonly made with rather overcooked tuna – is made with confit salmon, which they didn’t have the day I went (BOOOOOO).
The Croque Madame – a fancy name for a ham and cheese sandwich – is made with truffled gruyere and sourdough, and is the most monster ham and cheese sandwich this side of the city. I especially enjoyed the Classic Steak Tartare – minced raw beef with pickles, mustard and a raw egg yolk to bind it all – and Beef Bourguignon was a dark, hearty stew with cubes of super tender beef, and a buttery mash that I could’ve bathed in, it was so good.
With food like that, I don’t understand how the French stay so skinny. TELL ME. TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!!
Until I find out the answer, I’ll just retreat into my corner with the potato mash. Mange mange mange mange.
This meal was independently paid for.
La Grande Bouffe
758 Darling Street
Rozelle, NSW
Phone: 02 9818 4333
Website: http://www.lagrandebouffe.com.au