La Grand'Vigne, Les Sources de Caudalie

We had dinner at La Grand'Vigne, a 1 Michelin Star Restaurant of Chef Nicolas Masse, at the Hotel and Spa Les Sources de Caudalie in Graves, Bordeaux (http://www.sources-caudalie.com/#/GrandVigne/). Despite being a great restaurant, we are not fully convinced that it deserves a Michelin star. The place is beautiful, within the Chateau Smith Haut-Lafite complex. The decoration is "rural elegant," and the welcoming by the Maitre'd was first class and very cordial. We chose the Menu Degustation, very fresh and varied, and based on regional ingredients that included Quail Eggs with Asparragus, Foie gras, Sole and Veal. The wine, Chateau Le Bon Pasteur 2002, Pomerol, was perfectly balanced and was a clear example of a good Pomerol in full maturity.

But there were some details that lower its level, for example, the view is of a terrace in which guests of the hotel have drinks, as opposed to a view of the beautiful gardens, so that it is impossible not to see people in various stages of undressing walking by. But the worse were the flies on the cheese tray....

These are small details that can change the category of any restaurant immediately. Unless they correct these issues, they risk loosing their only Michelin star.

Salvador and Illuminata

Le Tertre, Saint-Emilion

A memorable dinner at Restaurant Le Tertre, at the Rue du Tertre de la Tente, Saint-Emilion, France. Impossible to find through a GPS, even though it is in the heart of the town, in a very steep street that makes access quite challenging but fun. We arrived without a reservation, but were quickly accommodated in the best place of the restaurant, that is, the wine cellar which in reality is a carved space on the limestone wall. We had the fixed menu, surrounded by over 2,000 wines. Food in general was good, but the wine, Chateau la Tour-Mallet 2005, Pomerol, was exceptional. A wine with a lot of fruit but with a perfect balance and a great structure. One of the best wines we have ever had.

Salvador and Illuminata