Le Gastronome

M. et Mme Belnou (A.E.E.H)
L-6970 Hostert Niederanven
Luxembourg

Tel: +352 34.00.39
Fax: +352 26.34.01.06

http://www.legastronome.lu

Wednesday 15th November 2000

I am in Luxembourg for another business meeting. Last time, our host gave us lunch at the office, but this time there were fewer of us, so he decided a trip to their local restaurant was more appropriate.

At this point, I must mention that the lunch provided by our host at the office had been worthy of a five-star restaurant - a four course meal with red and white wines, a resident maitre d', and full silver service. The food was also excellent. Alas, I can't recommend the place to you, as it was a strictly private affair!

Le Gastronome is some ten minutes drive from the office, which is itself some ten minutes drive from the Airport. It overlooks a wooded valley, and the tables outside would obviously be very attractive in better weather.

Inside was very pleasant, and they had set our table in a side room. Very pleasant. The menu was varied and interesting, and, being an international gathering, we had some extended discussions and attempts at translations. I'll leave it to you, dear reader, to check out their web site for examples of the range.

Our host recommended, then ordered, the local Luxemburgian Pinot Noir - this turned out to be light - almost rose, but still with ample body and presence. We congratulated him on the choice.

I started with the Cassolette d'Ecrevisses en Croute, and was surprised when a small dish of pate and sun-dried tomatoes was presented. I queried this, but was told that it was a "pre starter". Very toothsome, and sets you up for the rest of the meal. The Cassolette was a small dish of crayfish in a creamy sauce, topped with almost a "crumble" crust. Delicious!. Main course was a Filet De Sandre avec Chorizo - a river fish which none of us could translate (even Babelfish says Sandre = Sandre! If anyone knows what the English name for this fish is, please let me know). This also was delicious - firm white flesh served with piquant chorizo sausage. Presentation was excellent.

I don't often go for dessert, but I was tempted by the "Papilotte de Banane et Miel". A wise choice which wraped up the meal nicely. Coffees - but we declined cognac, as we still had a couple of hours work to finish back at the office.

This was the highlight of my stay in Luxembourg this time, and I can heartily recommend Le Gastronome.

Sandro Melkuhn