Lunch @ La Poêle d'Or, Cologne, Germany (1-Michelin star)

*Update 14/4/16: This restaurant has closed down.

Just this year, La Poêle d'Or in Cologne received its first Michelin star, elevating its position to one of the best eateries in town. We were there to sample their lunch menu to experience for ourselves what makes a Michelin starred restaurant and get fed by of one of rising stars of the scene in French chef Jean-Claude Bado. In addition to the Michelin star, they also have 17 points on Gault Millau 2013. We went for their 2 course lunch menu and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of small samples of amuse bouche we had throughout the meal. The lunch menu changes daily, depending on what fresh produce the chef receives each morning.

A pleasure for the senses

The exterior of the restaurant. It is placed side-by-side to its sister bistro Bistrot B

Located in close proximity to the Cologne Dom, certainly the most recognisable landmark in town.

The interior of the restaurant. We were early there and thus had the pleasure of having the restaurant to ourselves.

Cosy and understated decor

First amuse-bouche: Terrine, mousse and tartar of salmon. Three contrasting textures and tastes. A nice start!

Some warm bread and French butter

Second amuse-bouche: British sardine with olve tapenade and escabeche. Beautifully presented and the escabeche provided a huge punch of flavor. Would have went great with some bread but it was all already in my tummy by the time I thought about it.

Cheese croissant and house-made bread 

Third amuse-bouche: Coffee macaron with ham flavoured mousse. Cutely presented on a wooden platform, the macaron shell was air light and the savory ham mousse was surprisingly good

Starter: Salmon with quince chutney. This was the star of the day for us. The fatty salmon was wonderful and complimented by the sweetness and acidity of the quince chutney. Stuff of dreams!

It's not too bad looks wise as well!

Main dish: Guinea fowl with sauce Albuféra, vegetables and potato. The fowl was cooked perfectly, with a crispy exterior and and moist inside. It is easy to get this wrong and we were impressed at how good it was with the Albuféra sauce. The portion was generous as well.

Petit fours to end the meal

Some awards the restaurant managed to garner.

The waiting area at the entrance of the restaurant

Verdict: We were wowed by the great food and impeccable service at the restaurant. The sum of the parts and components of the meal were a delight and left us planning a revisit in the near future.

Opening hours. Lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Price: €65 including drinks for a table of two

Location: La Poêle d'Or, Komödienstr. 50-52 - 50667 Köln, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0)221/13 986 777

Website: http://www.lapoeledor.de/


*This is a guest post by The Unc.