Les Jardins d'Epicure

Les Jardins d'Epicure Restaurant Review:

Les Jardins d’Epicure is situated in the Vexin region, approximately ten miles away from the house and gardens of the painter Claude Monet in Giverny. The property encompasses a seventeenth century villa reminiscent of the Italian taste, a manor constructed during the reign of Napoleon III, and some former stables that have been turned into comfortable and luxurious hotel rooms. Roosters, hens and peacocks walk around freely outside in a park, which is crossed by the Epte river marking the boundary between Normandy and the province of Île-de-France. The dining room is located inside the manor, around a swimming pool bordered by bay windows, and there’s also a tree-shaded terrace. The courses from chef Olivier da Silva are created with fresh products coming from some great producers, especially the meat bought from one of the best butchers in Paris, Hugo Desnoyers. Dishes are classics, with a trace of originality visible in the seasonings and textures. Expect to be delighted by duck foie gras with cocoa shavings and pear roasted in yellow wine, snails coupled with pork from Bigorre and vegetables, John Dory fillet with vegetable ravioli in a fizzy juice, and pigeon cooked in two ways with its breast served medium and its thighs pickled in verjuice. For dessert, you might find an unctuous chocolate mousse with biscuit and a touch of caramel. The attractive wine list offers numerous vintages by the glass.