Restaurant La Balette sur Collioure

First off, reservations are a must. This is not a place for picky eaters or Grandpa who only likes steak and potatoes. There is a restaurant trend in Michelin/fine dining, to offer a set menu and you only get to choose how many courses you want. Personally, I think this is a great idea, it keeps out children and food nazis. This guy has taken this a bit too far. When you open the menu on the left side is their mission statement and, on the right, it lists from least to most expensive named options. Not how many courses, or what they include. We must ask the waitress how many courses and we settle on the smallest one of five. They bring out the amuse bouche (photo below) It does not count as a course. We chose to have the local wine pairings, which is kind of fun. One photo is first starter, based on mushrooms (I think) the waitress tells you what it is when it comes out, but without a menu to refer to…. This beauty above is where I made a mistake. The waitress did ask about allergies and somethings you may not like, I should have said oysters. I have tried, but raw or cooked, just can’t do it. I give the first bite a college try, they were poached, I still am not an oyster fan. The sauce is good. Below is a pretty presentation of a small piece of fish. Photo an idea of what the table set up looks like. We were able to have dinner on the outside terrace, which we prefer to the inside. The bread is served with high end olive oil and flavored butter. The bread is to die for, but don’t eat too much! Below is what I think is a form of Lobster Paella, and the meat course which was lamb. Normally not one of my favorites either, but they do it right here. They then bring the dessert, which was not that photogenic. Just when you think you are done, they bring a big pan of Madaline’s and you get to choose the flavor along with more little goodies. Now you are done. A great dinner experience overall, but I think they should give you a menu to refer to.

C’est la seconde fois que nous séjournons dans cet hôtel à un an d’intervalle et dinons dans son restaurant étoilé qui mérite toujours le détour. Le menu surprise en une dizaine de services est un régal pour les yeux et les papilles du début jusqu’à à la fin. Accueil et service irréprochables.