La Palme d'Or Cafe

My Luncheon Experience

Dining out can be a disappointing experience just as often as it can be an enjoyable one. But it certainly is rare to find a restaurant that can capture your expectations and then abandon them for something truly better! However this was my luncheon experience at La Palme d'Or.

Nestled within a trendy strip in Cottesloe and surrounded by quaint little boutique stores, La Palme d'Or's location compliments the European feel of this very chic café. Decorated with a palette of coffees and creams, it achieves an element of both class and comfort with regards to design and atmosphere. The extensive range of sweets and pastries that immediately greet you as you walk through the front entrance are an indication of its French connection and a cornerstone of its fame.

Since it opened in 2000, La Palme d'Or has created a reputation for excellence in the field of coffee and cakes. The current owners, John Thain and Zam Shukur, have built upon the original philosophy behind the restaurant, expanding to include a fine menu of modern Australian cuisine (with a subtle French influence), and as they served my lunch, I was very glad they had!

The Bruschetta - a gourmet mix of tomato, red onion, garlic, feta, and olives, on two thick slices of toasted sourdough - was way too tempting to pass up. It was aesthetically brilliant and vibrant in colour. Alone, it's a delightfully light and fruity lunch but combined with a refreshing drop of Chalice Bridge Chardonnay (Margaret River), the meal's more subtle flavours were released upon my unsuspecting taste buds, which paved the way for a greater appreciation.

An alternative to this light lunch option is the Grilled Marinated Chicken Salad: tender, marinated chicken breasts, leaning upon a mound of shredded Asian vegetables, doused in a spicy sambal dressing. Upon its arrival, I could not help but appreciate the delicate arrangement of this refined dish, a clue as to the nature of the subtle flavours that may await me.

For something a little more substantial, the Open Lamb Burger served on toasted Panini roll with a mouthwatering accompaniment of homemade tomato chutney, is a must ! The great feature of this meal is that it has all the elements of a gourmet burger but it's not overpowered by the bread itself, resulting in a light meal that's not 'stodgy' at all. When served with a glass of the Forrest Estate 2004 Marlborough Pinot , the meal seemed to ascend from a quick bite to a sensory heaven; it left me completely satisfied.

The menu was terrific but what stood out was La Palme d'Or's signature dish - the Roasted Pumpkin Tart. After reading its description, I just couldn't leave the restaurant without experiencing this scrumptious dish: sweet maple and thyme-roasted pumpkin combined with Chevre goat's cheese in a fresh homemade puff pastry case and drizzled in a balsamic reduction. The light, fresh pastry acted as more than just a casing; it absorbed every divinely subtle flavour the tart had to offer.

La Palme d'Or is the perfect lunch venue offering a selection of high quality meals that cater for all appetites, with impeccable service. It is no wonder why, their extensive group of regulars, just keep coming back!

by Siobhaon Cleary