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Some meals offer slight glimpses of what heaven must truly be like- and I got a glimpse at Le Gourmand last Friday. First off- the place is really quaint and cozy inside- this was a special occasion and it lived up to my 10th anniversary quite nicely.
The bare white walls, some Serge, and a waitress that was so fricking cool, complimented the cuisine that took on a simple yet elegant form.
We were first told by our waitress that a new Prix Fixe menu has been put out- three course meal for $45...the ode to the Depression Era we were told...Well, please take me back to 1929!!!
My wife and I ordered two Prix Fixe meals and shared evenly so we could sample six dishes- this was the way to go. We started off with Sheep's Milk Cheese Blintzes and Rabbit Liver Pate, which set the mood- perfection from each of these dishes. The sweet/ savory pate was perfectly chilled and the Blintzes were light and balanced nicely with a cream and lavender sauce that was practically lapped off the dish.
Next Course: Chicken with Jerusalem Artichoke Sauce and Rock Fish in a Fennel sauce. The chicken was a knockout dish- perfectly crisp and juicy. The rockfish was a little fishy- but that goes with the territory- I should have liked to try the sausage instead.
Lastly: The rhubarb crisp with ginger ice cream was refreshing and the creme brulee with fresh raspberries was to die for - die, die NOW...note to self: don't die.
The waitress also obliged to a surprise gift to my lovely, lovely wife- very off the cuff and delivered with perfect execution. This was a fantastic meal and a great setting. My wife and I marveled how much it reminded us of some great meals we had in Provence a few years back ...and if you close your eyes- you will be transported directly from 6th and Market to France aka Heaven.
Tres Bon!
I've been steadily eating my way through the fine dining establishments in Seattle and Le Gourmand popped onto my radar, courtesy of fellow Yelpers.
The drive to the restaurant from the I-5 is quite an adventure - a roller coaster experience as N 45 St turns into N Midvale Pl, then into N 46 St, then into NW Market St, where Le Gourmand is to be found. It's definitely a destination restaurant, being located rather off the beaten track.
As I was quite hungry, I declined to have a drink at Sambar next door and was seated in the restaurant. They have these strange tables with legs at each corner, making getting in and out if you're sitting on one of the benches against the wall a little hassle. The decoration is also quite eclectic!
The service was excellent with the servers friendly, fast and knowledgeable about the menu. As is my habit in fine dining places, I opted for the tasting menu.
Well, the good thing about the food was that it was packed with flavour. All the courses were built around a single named ingredient that defined the dish and the dishes all carried a good punch. The ingredients were top notch - foie gras, fresh foraged mushrooms. However, I found some of the sauces a little heavy for my palate and the food presentation didn't always match that on the website.
I enjoyed my meal here but it doesn't quite make my top echelon of dining experiences in Seattle.
My boyfriend took me here for a fantastic birthday dinner. After a moment of deliberation, we settled on the seven-course tasting menu since we reasoned that we probably won't be back again for awhile. We also decided to split the wine pairing for an extra $40.
Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. He was able to describe the method of preparation and where the food/wine was sourced from down to the most minute detail. Each of the wines he chose for us to accompany each course had a story behind it about why it fit with the food we were eating. He practically had us salivating in anticipation of each course.
The tasting menu changes very often (if not daily) and they source all the ingredients locally according to what's in season. The food I had was quite creative but in a harmonious way - among them, radish soup with dark chocolate, fatty Copper River salmon cooked in fragrant oolong tea leaves, vibrant organic flower petals in the salad. I don't eat foie gras, and they graciously substituted a delicious sheep cheese blintze for one of the courses. Each of the courses was very small, but we were stuffed by the end of the meal.
My boyfriend preordered a flourless chocolate cake for me and it was among the best, richest, densest, and most intense chocolate cake I've ever had. It was basically pure ganache, and we could only finish half of the small cake before we couldn't stomach another bite.
It took us 3 hours to finish our meal, but we enjoyed every minute. Le Gourmand may be pricey, but it's a worthwhile experience. They have a recession special going on right now - $45 for 3 courses - which may warrant a return visit.
Four of us went to Le Gourmand last night and were very disappointed. My black cod was very good but the other three had the tenderloin. One of them was full of grissle the other two had alot of fat, not normal for a 50.00 6ounce tenderloin. After they brought our food they never even returned to see if everything was ok. I had to go through most of the meal with out a glass of wine and when he did come over he was rude. We were very disappointed and will not go back.
If you love French food and restaurant owners who not only say they love food but who "walk the walk" Le Gourmand is the place for you. It is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle. And being a huge foodie and former New Yorker that's saying a lot.
Bruce and Sara Naftaly's food is worth every penny. Definitely go for the cheese blintzes. Everything there is either fresh from the garden or made from scratch or both. Bruce even grows the mustard seeds he uses to make the mustard he serves with his perfectly cooked steaks. No detail is too small. Don't even ask what Sara Naftaly's dessert special is. Just order it!
If you are on a budget then go next door to Sambar and have one of the best steak frites in town. If you're nice they sometimes let you order off the restaurant menu from next door. Stop whining about the prices. This is not a food factory like TGIFridays or the Olive Garden. This is the real deal Holyfield. Among the best restaurants in Seattle. Reliable. Fresh. Local ingredients. Le Gourmand is to orgasmic flavor as The Herb Farm is to excess hype. If you live in Bah-lard (or find yourself there frequently) and have never been to Le Gourmand go hang your head in shame!
I enjoyed a lovely meal here with my wife. It's close, warm, romantic, and takes forever (as French dining should). Conveniently located on Market Street on the #44 bus line, you can get all sloppy-bob on wine from their first-class cellar and make it home for some serious lovin' or serious digestin', depending on how long you've been married. :)
So, some say that the food is 'over priced', but we've certainly sent more at some of the so called 'nicer' places in Seattle. One review says 'not on par with Daniel's broiler' but I've never been impressed at Daniel's.
Very very good, extremely good service, and excellent wine list.
You know, Sarah and Bruce are pretty cool local owners who buy all of their ingredients, literally, from farmers who stumble up to their back door. Bruce is at a lot of the Farmers Markets throughout the week etc buying products for his upcoming dinner service - so for that alone I'm privy to give 5 stars. They are both excellent chefs, the room is comfortable and well appointed, they have a great wine list. I mean, for a special occasion or a nice dinner w/ an upscale, hip yet neighborhood / local feel in Ballard, this is the place.
I have driven past this place for years and always enjoy French cuisine, so I decided to go with my best friend for a nice dinner before she went back to the East coast. We each opted for the three course meal and everything was simply sublime. Our waitress suggested a wonderful Beaujolais that ended up pairing perfectly with almost everything. Especially the mussels for the appetizer and the lamb for the main course.
Dessert was a berry creme brulee that was to die for and near the end the chef/ owner Bruce Naftalay came out to talk to us and ask about the meal and everything. Overall, the setting was charming, the service was great, the food was incredible and the whole experience was as good as one could ask for.
Absolutely amazing. Had been craving a good French meal for quite some time and this place certainly fulfilled my need. The service was very good, not overly doting as you tend to run into in a nicer restaurant. Had the tasting menu and every course was inspired. I'd go again in a heartbeat, despite the price tag.
I was treated here for my birthday. It was a wonderful meal, and the wine per dish picked out by their wine expert was excellent too. He had picked out a sweet wine, which I normally would not drink, for one of the dishes, and it complemented the dish perfectly. I was indulged to the seven course meal and was stuffed. The wait staff was very friendly, and I don't think one table ever seated more than one party. They use organic and locally grown foods. The rabbit was tender and delicious. The sorbet to cleanse your palate was a nice touch. the chef comes out at the end of the evening and talks to the customers.
This was the first place I had a champagne cocktail, and I fell in love. I was afraid to try it at other places for fear of being disappointed, but I haven't.
Sometimes when you eat out you merely eat out for delicious food. Other times you are looking for an experience.
You eat here for an experience.
Located in "Ballard' Le Gourmand is a little nook of a restaurant providing French gourmet food (if that wasn't obvious from the name alone).
Located steps away from this place we finally took the plunge and on a whim went there last night (this is really not an on the whim place to go. Its more of a save up your money for a very special occasion type of place).
Everything was...rich, different and delicious.
We started with a salad that had pretty much nothing I could readily identify but I'm pretty sure something that comes from a dandelion was in there and it was all very good. My Elk Pate also was delicious. I'd never tasted anything like it and to be honest wouldn't go out of my way to try it again but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the hell out of it.
The bread, I'm sorry to say was delicious. Sorry because as it kept coming I kept eating it. Curse you any place that has too delicious bread.
The main was perfect. Lamp for her, partridge for me.
Dessert? Of course how can you not get dessert in a french restaurant? The creme brulee was amazing the honey cake thing not so much. (the server discounted it because she could tell we didn't care for it).
The 1 star lost is for service. When I pay these prices I don't expect to wait long for anything. She was pretty attentive but there were certainly times we had to wait a bit too long for my tastes. Perhaps this is unfair but this is my review so there it is.
Expensive sissy food. That's what's served here. Everything about the experience here was EXACTLY as I would expect it, which is why the 3 stars. The food was perfect. The service was "gorgeous." The room was quiet enough to talk and perfect for a very intimate date. This is the kind of place you take a girl when you want to propose.
But Sam, why only 3 stars? Weren't you reading up there? It was what I expected. If you want my 5 stars, you must exceed expectations in some way. Do something creative. Anything. And, if I'm being honest, I've head a way better fillet at Jak's for $30 instead of $55. Also, the salad was a waste... next time don't ruin my meal with that.
Since two people ordered the 7 course menu, I got to try a lot of different things. I'm going to channel one of my favorite reviewers , Chris O http://www.yelp.com/us..., for this portion of the review:
Pumpkin Soup: 3*, good celery flavor
Yellow Tomato Soup: 4*, wow
Shrimp Moussaline with yummy sauce: 4*
Goat Cheese Blintz: 2*, meh
Pate: 4*
Foie Gras: 3* average
Rose-Scented Sorbet: 3*
Salad: 1* Screw you for serving this to me
Beef Tenderloin: 2*
Venison: 4*
Homemade mustard on tenderloin: 6*. orgasmic! do you hear me?
12 Year-old Scotch: 3*
I didn't try the dessert, but I heard some grumbling and some happiness.
The best part of the meal was the company. Miss Mary Ann is a delightful dining companion. Her husband Adam is indescribably cool, nerdy, and knows his food. And my buddy Jan was on top of his game. We spent nearly 4 hours dining overall. By the end of the meal, I was relaxed and perfectly content to a level that normally requires coffee the next morning.
I'm almost heartbroken --- I was so excited to go to this place! We have read amazing reviews and we love eating at fancy places. My husband & I have been to lots of great places and this had been on our list for awhile. It was my birthday, so he surprised me and took me there.
I don't know what the heck happened, but the food was so completely lackluster, I was absolutely stunned. The waiter was pleasant enough. I always like to ask the servers what their favorite meal is and I couldn't get a straight answer out of the guy. He described a couple of dishes in a very rehearsed way, but didn't come out and say that HE actually liked anything in particular. It was one of those things --- it was what he DIDN'T say.
Anyway, the bread - bland, could have been store bought. My meal was an exceptionally fishy tasting salmon. I don't think it was fresh and if it was, it was a poor cut. It was drowned in a super bland sauce. My husband ordered beef and although the sauce was interesting, the meat wasn't very tender. Our salads at the end were basically a dry bitter mixed greens with edible flowers with a drop of balsamic dressing.
When the waiter came to clear our obviously not-empty plates, he almost seemed apologetic. He didn't even really ask us if we liked it or not.
Giving them one star is pretty harsh, but for spending that much money, I expect a truly great dinner. If you are looking to have an extra fancy dinner, I would say go to the Canlis instead - or The Metropolitan. Or many of the wonderful less-expensive but great quality places in town. .
I would never try this restuarant again ever or recommend it to anyone!
It was the worst Valentine's dinner ...all 10 courses of it! We spent a fortune on it too... :(
Le Gourmand is a small French restaurant next to its bar - Sambac. It's way off the beaten path in the residential streets of the eastern edges of Ballard. We went there on a Wednesday at 7 PM. The place was empty and while we were there two more couples came in. So, it was really quiet. But, the tables are arranged very densely together and when it's full it's probably noisy.
The menu is small and there is a 7 course tasting menu. The prices could compete with much more diverse and innovative places in San Francisco and New York. We chose the 3 course "economy helper" menu. The rabbit liver paté was excellent, the spinach soup OK. The rock fish was fine and its sauce very good. The rhubarb crisp was rather pedestrian - you can find its ilk in places like Anthony's or Ponti.
The service was attentive and non-invasive. The waiter was knowledgeable. The wine list is large enough - a lot of French wines priced for the upmarket. There were no amuse-bouches or bonbons with the check nor any other "freebies".
The owner/chef came out and we had a nice visit with him. Both he and the waiter stressed the importance of quality ingredients.
Although I loved the food...which is five star, this place is probably the priciest I have eaten at in Seattle. I took a friend out for her birthday and the bill with 2 recommended half bottles of wine was $360.00.
Every entree was sky high, and I honestly can't say it was worth EVERY penny.
The profiteroles were AMAZING...and I go to Sambar to have them every once in a while.
The staff is great, and the chef was an amazing person, and I did feel they were snotty as many higher end restaurants can be.
It is worth a try if price is no object, and if you love French food.
We've eaten at Le Gourmand two times now. The restaurant aspires to be a top shelf eatery on a par with the best in NYC, SF and Chicago, with solid French cooking and traditional staples, and while it shines at times, it's simply not in that league. We've found the first courses to be strong, and the wine list to be reasonable (if excessively skewed towards French vs. North American selections). However, service is painfully slow and unresponsive and main courses - whose prices have been jacked into the $40-$50 range - are extremely hit and miss, with certain dishes (venison, scallops, etc) overcooked or drowned in unnecessary flavors.
If Le Gourmand wants to price itself in the league of the best restaurants in the US - i.e. Daniel, Charlie Trotter's, French Laundry, Alinea, etc - it needs to be truly flawless in all aspects of its restaurant. Poor service and spottiness on main courses are its critical flaw.
I don't get the haters. I really don't. Went here for my birthday last year, and my boyfriend and I still talk about it all the time. We went for the tasting menu, and were amazed by the menu's creativity, incredible aesthetics, and - mmmmm - deliciousness. Our server was amazing -- knowledgeable, sincere, incredibly friendly. Did feel pretty insulted by the damn sommelier. We're a young couple, asking for a recommendation on a dry french white. He looked at us, looked at the list, and pointed out the 3 cheapest bottles. Ridiculous. Clearly if we're there in the first place, we're not there to be cheap.
Wine snobbery aside, the food and atmosphere and service exceeded all of our expectation. My man and I have both been in the restaurant industry for years. We're critical. We weren't disappointed.
Lovely place to go for a special occasion, but too pricey for the average dinner out ($250 for the 2 of us). That said, the freshly-foraged salad was incredible, the wooley pig with mushrooms and cognac was rich and delish. The wine list is hefty and the sommelier a great help. Dessert was good, but not the best I have ever had. The ambiance is inviting and I really enjoy lingering over a meal when it is a special occasion. We were not rushed in the slightest and had a very nice time with our friends. I recommend this place for a special evening out for sure, or any time you are feeling like a splurge.
I want to write the glowing 5 star review, I really do. I want to tell you about the friendly service, I want to detail why the tasting menu is worth every penny. But I think back on my experience and nothing about it comes leaping back at me like it does for Rover's or the vastly under appreciated Portage. Even Cremant is nagging at my conscious for another visit. This is a great restaurant, you will not be disappointed, but were you to ask me for a Seattle French fine dining recommendation, I would probably forget to even mention Le Gourmand.
Dining at Le Gourmand is an incredibly indulgent, extravagant, and delicious experience. Every year the Hubbie and I try to re-create our first Valentine's Day together (we were in Paris) by eating at a French restaurant. Le Gourmand came the closest to the little romantic bistro we at at in Paris that sat in the middle of a small lake... you could only get there by rowboat. It was incredibly romantic and so is Le Gourmand. And the food is equally good.
Years ago, when my father decided his daughters were lacking in culture and an appreciation for French cuisine, he took us here. I appreciated the hell out of the rabbit and creme brulee. In later years, when I had to pay for meals myself, I appreciated that he refused to let us see the bill. This is the place for intimate special occasions, hopefully when someone else is paying. I think he's still waiting for me to be cultured.
Let me tell you a little something about perfect. It's the kind of food you do not eat every day, because you simply can not. Because the cream is thicker and lavished on the delectable white winter vegetable tart in great splashes. Because the vegetables are picked fresh from the organic garden that day and glisten, sauteed as they are in sweet cream butter like you just don't care. Because the tender Ellensburg lamb loin in dark, smokey, rich reduction sauce melts in your mouth. Because you lap up every drop of the soft, meltier creme brulee unapologetically. Visionary chef, owner and chief gourmand Bruce Naftali has been creating magical meals in this modest, oddly located shop for a million years. I love him. He visits tables and seems at once bashful and joyful to greet patrons as they enjoy their food. His quirky manner tells you he wishes desperately he were as comfortable tableside as behind the scenes.
Food moves slowly from stove to table, and dinner can take all night. So be there with close friends, plenty of time, and lots of wine.
Er, and lots of money.
Helpful tip: Participate in a weekend class and you will meet the other Bruce Naftali, confident and charming and ready with the tasting spoon. You will be blown away by the difference between almost-ready-to-serve (mmmm, I'd serve that!) and brilliant (ohh, and it was just an extra 2 tablespoons of butter that did that?).
This food is unprissy. It's sublime. Try as much as you can when you go.
If I pay $75 for a seven course meal, you'd better have to roll me out after dinner. That doesn't mean I want Texas-sized portions, but the promised foods should be bigger than my thumb. I weigh 99 pounds but I was still kind of hungry after Le Gourmand. But the setting and the food here are exquisite and it's very romantic.
I've just decided where I'll ask my husband to take me for my upcoming birthday. It's been awhile, but it has lived fondly in memory. It's a fun spot to have a romantic dinner. It's an unassuming looking place, kind of homey, actually. I hope they have the rabbit liver pate - I don't even like liver, but this is a delicious rustic style pate that will make you swoon. Oh, the luscious profiteroles, let's not forget dessert!
Stunningly meal. 4-5 hours, courses galore, intoxicating flavors and sauces whose flavors we poured over, trying to tease out hidden ingredients. No other tables were having the paired wine flights, so the sommelier kept topping off our glasses. Nice ambience, and impeccable service all around. Well worth it!
I think I had the best meal of my life at Le Gourmand a few weeks ago when I took my husband there for his birthday. We both ordered the tasting menu and shared a wine pairing. The first course was a heavenly pear and jerusalem artichoke soup. Though it seems like an unusual combination, the flavors worked well together. This was followed by foie gras and a salsify dish. The main course - a wild boar ragout - was terrific. I wish I could eat it all of the time. The wine pairing was good, but not excellent.
We enjoyed lingering over each course and sharing the wonderful experience. This is an excellent place for a special occasion.
Let your imagination, your taste buds, and your extravagance run wild - Le Gourmand is waiting for you. You will not be disappointed by the chef, the food, the menu, the wine, the five or six or seven courses, or the desserts. Come with a full wallet and four or five hours to spare and you will be a very happy camper. Who knew such a great place could be tucked away in a Ballard neighborhood, directly across the street from a frickin' Dominoe's pizza chain? C'est si bon!
It was $200 for two and worth every penny.
Neighborhood: Ballard
Category: French
Neighborhood: Ballard
Category: Lounges
Seattle, WA
Category: French
Seattle, WA
Category: French
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: French
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