Champagne, anyone?
Did someone say Champagne? I’m on my way. Even though I sometimes actually need a (little) break from all the bubbly liquid after a fine dining trip, it’s been a while and I’m ready to go!
Reims is the Champagne capital. What I love about this place, is that even though it’s just a 5-hour drive from the Netherlands, you immediately get that sunny, holiday feeling as if you’re way more south. I always visit Reims when it’s the least crowded but still nice weather: around May and June. Sometimes I feel I’m the only non-local person walking around there. Even though Champagne houses may look somewhat abandonded, you can just call or knock on the door to see if it’s possible to have a tasting.
Sipping around in Épernay
My no. 1 favorite Champagne house is Champagne de Venoge, located at the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. You can immediately recognize their Champagne to the special shaped bottles it is served from. A tasting at De Venoge means a nice tour around the cellar, after which you can (elegantly) plump down at a sofa in one of the old rooms. It’s definitely worth a visit. We always stay at the suites at the property, which are a real recommendation as well. From there you can just explore the entire Champagne area.
Despite the fact that there are so many gourmets in the area, on the search for the finest Champagne out there, you will not find that much of quality food. It seems the French are just happy to sip their glasses and have a bite or two with it. Of course, we are looking for more.
Meeting top chef Arnaud Lallement at L’Assiette Champenoise***
We dined at restaurant L’Assiette Champenoise: a renown restaurant with 3 Michelin stars. Right here, it’s French cuisine at its finest. All dishes are served with an accompanying glass of - guess what - Champagne. Alright, couldn’t be more curious about the food wine combinations. The menu consist of classic yet surprising dishes. Langoustine, lemon caviar and chili; sardine, mizu and black sesame sauce; blue lobster, sweet wine and paprika spices. Is your mouth getting watered already? What we love, is how the chef is not at all sparing on the good stuff. Our entire plate is filled with lobster and if you would like some more caviar, the staff is nearly running to your table. Quality, quantity and service: 10+.
After our fantastic evening made possible by chef Arnaud Lallement and his team, we roll into our beds at our suite at the Avenue de Champagne. Tomorrow, we’ll head home. See you soon, Champagne.