Courcelles-sur-Vesle, France
From Michelin Guide
With the arrival of Italian chef Massimiliano Sena (originally from Sorrento), armed with his impressive CV, this noble and elegant Grand Siècle-style residence has entered a modern culinary era that bodes well. Local and seasonal ingredients take pride of place, and the chef's Italian roots make themselves felt in a delicate and subtle manner. There's no showboating or recourse to culinary techniques just for the sake of it; the confident expertise and harmoniously preserved marriages of flavours allow diners to fully appreciate the slow-cooked egg with its airy chanterelle mousse, or the cod with courgette, raspberry and black garlic. Terrific wine list with over 700 wines. There is a pleasant view of the formal garden and canal from the glass-roofed dining area.
From Visitor Experiences
Integration of Italian Culinary Roots with Local French Ingredients: Under the leadership of Italian chef Massimiliano Sena, La Table de Courcelles uniquely blends Italian culinary influences with local and seasonal French ingredients. This results in dishes that are both delicate and subtle, such as the slow-cooked egg with airy chanterelle mousse and cod with courgette, raspberry, and black garlic, showcasing a harmonious marriage of flavors without unnecessary culinary showboating.
Historic Château Setting with Elegant Ambiance: The restaurant is located in the Château de Courcelles, a majestic 17th-century Grand Siècle-style residence that has witnessed significant French history. The château offers an atmosphere of tranquility and elegance, with dining rooms overlooking formal gardens and canals, and features such as a glass-roofed dining area and a Winter Garden, providing a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary comfort.
Extensive and Exceptional Wine List: La Table de Courcelles boasts a remarkable wine selection with over 700 wines, complementing the refined and seasonal cuisine. This extensive wine list is a distinctive feature that enhances the gastronomic experience, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to pairing excellent wines with its creative dishes.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Table de Courcelles - Château de Courcelles, Courcelles-sur-Vesle, include:
Langoustine: Featured prominently in a signature dish "Langoustine au risotto a la bisque, tuile dentelle," langoustines are used to showcase fresh seafood with delicate flavors paired with creamy risotto and bisque sauce, highlighting the chef's skill in balancing rich and fresh elements.
Blue radish and citron caviar: Used in the signature dish "Rosace de homard au radis bleu et citron caviar," these ingredients add a fresh, tangy, and slightly bitter note that complements the lobster, demonstrating the chef’s attention to texture and flavor contrast.
Truffles: Sourced locally, truffles are used as a luxurious garnish, emphasizing the regional and seasonal focus of the cuisine.
Edible flowers: Also used as garnishes, these contribute to the aesthetic and delicate flavor profile of dishes, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, local, and seasonal produce.
Farm-fresh cheese: Highlighted in special events, this ingredient reflects the restaurant’s dedication to quality regional products and traditional French culinary favorites.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Chef Lucas Vannier’s philosophy of using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce to create refined dishes with a regional twist, combining elegance, freshness, and complexity in flavor.
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