Sa Qua Na (Honfleur, France) was the best meal of my trip. It was also the cheapest - it's nice when that happens - 80 euros/head.
It's not as ambitious as Ledoyen but it was pretty solid. The flavors and tastes are definitely on the subtle side, the whole thing coming off very light and pure. I think this is why I liked it so much - definitely fits into the 'things that do it for me' category.
It's a great one-day side trip from Paris, especially in the late summer. Honfleur is beautiful - no question about that.
Daurade poche au citron vert, feuilles de liveche & coriandre, un bouillon clair a la noix de coco et huile de Combava
A piece of sea bream was placed in a stone bowl and it was (barely) cooked by a broth of coconut and lime oil. Fresh leaves of lovage and coriander were added. This is a signature quality dish - a tantalizing blend of careful flavors, none overpowering, all masterfully balanced. A blend of east and west that would be difficult to improve.
Petis-pois / Huile d'olive / Citron confit
Light, pure, and balanced - is it nouvelle cuisine, italian, or japanese? The citrus gave it that right amount of brightness, as the peas, while intense, were not completely forward. This is the sort of dish I fall for these days, particularly when peas are involved.
The Full Review (with many more courses):
ChuckEats blog Sa Qua Na (Honfleur, France) - Light & Crisp
- chuck