After a two week Covid 19 level 3 lockdown we were ready for something special, and special we got when we visited Paris Butter for the first time.
I really had no preconceived ideas about what I may encounter at Paris Butter, but I had heard that it was good. Our booking was at 8:30pm which is a late start for us middle aged people. Actually I would like to know when 'middle age' starts and finishes. After very recently turning 60 (the number sticks in my throat) am I entering my dotage and should be considered elderly? I think not!
Anyway we stopped for a drink at the Elbow Room in Ponsonby first and chose to sit outside with a trusty Heineken for Lance and a Moet for myself. I felt that in our first foray into the Covid invested atmosphere an outside seat would be safer, and it was actually quite a mild evening for early September in Auckland.
Okay, we are here to discuss Paris Butter, so lets get started...
The road frontage it quite unassuming but on entering we were scooped up and ushered to our table. It is the small things that count and I liked how the bench seat had a small cushion for my back, often these bench seats are stiff and uncomfortable, but not at Paris Butter.
A French restaurant with French wait staff is always a good start. On offer is a set two, three or seven course menu with a wine pairing option. Because we tend to be a little extravagant we chose the seven.
My choice of beverage for the rest of the evening was rosé, this was limited with only one to choose from on the wine list, however the Domaine Houchart, Côtes de Provence was more than adequate.
The leader for the parade of fine food is simply described as 'snacks'.
As a child when food arrives and you have no idea what it is you feel panicky, however no panic was felt when seven small plates arrived and only the bread and oysters were not in disguise. The waiter kindly alerted us to the slate side plate to be used and mentioned that sometimes people think it is a coaster. I love it when disaster and foolishness can be avoided.
Two of the plates were warm and that is where we started, I actually can't remember much about the little black balls except they were truffles and were tasty. Lance and I looked nervously at the eggs and wondered if a spoon should be used, Lance bravely lifted the egg and took a sip. The eggs were filled with a warm creamy brothy something that was full of lip licking greatness. Fortunately we love oysters and these were from the Kaipara Harbour and were served with shallots and a green oil. This green oil featured in many of the dishes and had a lovely grassy freshness to it. I think the small circular morsels were tuna tatare and the tiny macaron had a surprising savoury burst of flavour that I think the waitress said was miso, but it was hard to hear through her sing song French accent. The bread was thick and crusty and served with a flavoured butter of which there was plenty. I try not to eat bread unless it is so good that I must and this fell into that category especially with the thick creamy butter. And that was the first course!
The tatare of venison was melt in your mouth, with the richness of the venison countered with beetroot and tiny onion flower buds.
Delicate and carefully constructed the Celeriac, soy and salmon roe was melt in your mouth. I love the way the roe bursts when you apply pressure.
Quail is not something that I would ever order as I am not fond of bones and hate to pick around them, however this quail, beetroot and silky smoked potato was rich and worth a little picking.
At this stage of the evening I had been to the bathroom and as is usually necessary in any of my blogs I need to talk about the toilet. I am always a little picky about bathrooms at restaurants and too often I feel that the level of thought and also cleanliness can be wanting. Not in this place! A lovely little antique looking cabinet had a candle burning and flowers on top along with a hand written note to ladies inviting them to use the items in the top draw if the need arises. Of course I took a peek and a selection of feminine items were available. Never, and I will say it again, never have I ever encountered this sort of hospitality in a restaurant.
Sweet things:
A little palate cleanser arrive which is described on the menu as 'crossover', and what a perfect crossover it was. A mandarin and butternut granita was not too sharp and had a subtle butternut flavour that evoked a fleeting feeling of pumpkin pie. It was barely discernible, but it was there.
At last we were reaching the end of the parade, our belts were loosened in anticipation and we were not disappointed.
However I was disappointed to find that the photo that I took of the rest of the desert was too blurry to post. The menu simply states carrot cake, there is no mention of the other little delights that crowd around it or the carefully honeycombed merengue on top. I got a fleeting taste of cardamon before I gobbled it down. Accompanying this delectable desert were a few treats made up of tiny warm madelines, some jellies that were quite jube like and that I could not detect the flavour of only to be told by the waitress that they were capsicum flavour. I hate capsicum! But these were great, and some little jelly sweets that were shaped like tiny bottles and had a subtle whiskey flavour.
This is a great place to go for special occasion or a lock down hiatus. Service, food, comfort and decor were Right up there.
Food - 5 Comfort - 5 Service - 5 Price - 4
Erynn's Grading Guidleine
Food
1 - 2 Won’t be back
3 - 4 Might be back
5 Can’t wait to get back
Comfort
1 - 2 Just stay for a quick bite
3 - 4 Okay for a medium price
5 Could stay longer
Service
1 - 2 Lucky I don’t complain
3 - 4 Ho hum
5 Expect a great tip
Price
1 change from $100 for two people
2 $100 - $200 for two people
3 $200 - $300 for two people
4 $300 - $400 for two people
5 $$$ dust off the visa you’re going to need it.
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