Restaurant L’Astrée in Roanne, the Roannais

Restaurant L’Astrée in the centre of Roannne in the Roannais.

One of the many excellent restaurants in this region that, amazingly, we have never visited. And yet, all our French friends and food connoisseurs have always recommended the place.

In fact, they have often described L’Astrée as second only to the famous Troisgros just down the road from it.

Anyway, we went recently on the invitation of our good friend, Jean Marc Dublé, who treated us to an exceptionally delightful evening dinner.

It did not disappoint.

L’Astrée is a superb rendezvous for gastronomes. Owner-Chef Simon Falcoz has a great creative touch, and his cuisine is innovative. We enjoyed a perfect meal in comfortable, contemporary surroundings, with convivial, professional table service, and overseen by the charming attentiveness of Simons wife, Martine.

The choice of menu was superb, and it was difficult to decide – it all looked very good, of course!

Menu Epicurien was tempting. At 45 euros, it also seemed extremely reasonable. This included hors d’œuvres, entrée, poisson au viande, fromage, dessert.

Entrée

Le duo de foie gras l’un “ cuit au naturel au touchon” compote de figues au Porto, l’autre poêlé au gingembre

Viande

Les ris veau rôtis, dores au sesame, jus simple et réduction de Porto

Wine accompaniment: with our entrée we had St. Nicholas de Bourgueil Domaine du Fondis 2009 (a fresh crisp white), and with our Viande we had Vin de Pays d’Oc Les Creisses 2006 (a full bodied, plummy red). Both excellent choices, and to be recommended.

A most enjoyable fine dining experience with good company – you can’t beat it!

L’Astrée, 17 Bis Cours République, 42300 Roanne, Tel: 04 77 72 74 22:

Menu du déjeuner à 18Euros. 
· Menus à 26 et à 48Euros. 
· À la carte comptez de 30 à 45Euros. 
· Menu enfant à 13Euros. 
· Service de 12h à 13h30 et de 19h30 à 21h. 
· Très belle cave à vins. 
· Accueil charmant de Martine Falcoz. 
· Décoration moderne et mobilier confortable. 
· Réservation indispensable.

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