Le Verdome, Vientiane.

A friend who enjoys the pleasure of the French cuisine recommended dinning at Le Verdome, a beautiful cozy restaurant set in a colonial French villa in Vientiane. I'm really glad I took her advice and went there tonight. I splashed out. Went the whole nine yards and had a very pleasant three course meal. 

The atmosphere was very homely. I was one of the first to arrive and later realized this establishment is certainly well known and many gathered to talk business, romance and family affairs. It caters for all. The food was simple, hearty and satisfied my soul. I felt like I was eating my mums cooking, made from love with a traditional style.

Soupe a l'oignon

The Onion Soup with cheesy croutons was prepared in a very traditional French style. It really warmed me from inside out. The creamy texture, chunks of strewed onion and cheesy grit really made my tongue tingle. I though of my friend Marc who is a expert in onion soup. It was a bit different to the way he makes it, yet i think he would still have approved.

Magret de canard de Barbarie

When it came to the main. I thought I would try something less traditional. A sort of fusion popped out at me. Magret of duck, with mango and pepper sauce on a bed of sauteed potatoes with roasted southeast asian eggplants. I'm very glad I made this choice as it was a flavour surprise. It was well balanced and and the mango complimented the duck pleasantly. This was a dish that signified the union between the French culonary technique and style with eastern ingredients.

Creme brulee a la catalane.

Dessert came without question. I'm a sucker for Creme brulee. Again, this was homely and I couldn't stop thinking about my mum's rich creamy home made desserts. Each mouthful gave me a feeling of wholesome pleasure. 

Then, when it came to the bill. It came in a quaint little Paris inspired box. The whole meal came to $20 NZD. I was well chuffed. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the pleasure of food. The way it brings you up throughout the courses and then slowly seduces you to bed once your satisfied and in need of rest. I thoroughly enjoyed this evening. Not for one moment was I in Laos. 

The restaurant also delivers. Throughout the night one of the waiters was rushing back and forth with boxes of packed meals. Delivering them in style in this van. You know you've come to the right place when the demand is so high that people are getting it taken to their homes to enjoy. Tomorrow I think I will stick to baguettes and a nice long bike ride to get over this indulging feast.