La Salamandre - Carta

Le Saint Julien

➤ 11 rue de Saint Julien, 33250 Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, France

Carta • Thé • Grill • Français • Desserts

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"The restaurant had a nice garden pleasant setting. We went for a set menu and shared a smoked salmon entree and it was fine. The 2 main dishes were very disappointing my lamb was tender but a little bland and the accompanied potato...gratin was too cheesy i.e. very rich, my husband had beef medium rare it was still pink but rather tough. We were rather surprised the meat dishes did not come with any vegetables or salad where as the fish did, not even a token of greenery garnish. The cream brûlée dessert was better than the mains. We were very disappointed with the quality of the meal but the service was fine. We had a glass of wine each but 2 different types and the sommelier was very good, she poured in 4 separate glasses so we could try both. The head waiter was carving the beef at a nearby table and he was actually licking his fingers after carving. We did not think it was acceptable, however, local guests did not seem to mind. Perhaps the a la carte dishes would have been nicer."

Château Cordeillan-Bages

➤ 61 rte des Vignerons, 33250 Pauillac, France

Carta • Cafés • Mexicain • Asiatique • Végétarien

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"We were great fans of chef Jean Luc Roca who has now gone to another Relais property, St James hotel in Paris. There is a therefore a new chef Julien Lefebvre in residence. In my humble view fans of the cooking here needn't worry, many of the principles of using local suppliers and excellent ingredients with provenance are still important principles. The results are spectacular with food that has an amazingly light touch, dishes are works of art, never mind the flavour sensations.The menu is shorter, four starters, fish, meat and desserts. There were many highlights, notably the sea bass with minestrone and basil broth, in fact the cooking of the fish in particular is amazing. A quick mention for the small side dish of Turbot trimmings in the most unbelievably light tempura served with bouillabaisse.The citrus dessert, was especially stand out. More high points were generous portions of melon with Gambas, gazpacho and pork cheek which were sublime. Chicken breast with caviar slow cooked with Noilly Prat sauce, delicious. And the pigeon three ways with crumb covering, potato purée and the most silky smooth jus.... I could go on and on!!! Arnaud Le Saux is still the chief sommelier and his help and recommendations were as interesting and thoughtful as ever.There were, at least for me, a few shortcomings in so much as the cheeseboard choice has been considerably reduced, now I like cheese, and I like the theatre of all the choice and at 22 Euros I think there should be more of it.The same goes for the bread, there are only two choices and just salted, unsalted butter and olive oil. Finally the appetisers stay the same regardless of how many times you eat there and it would have been a nice touch if repeat guests had these changed during their stay. Still these are little things compared to the overall picture and dining here in my view is still a really strong recommendation and well worth a detour to sample the cuisine."

Co Ba

➤ 24 Rue Victor Hugo, 33250, Pauillac, France

Carta • Kebab • Sushi • Cafés • Mexicain

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"Visited this gem on the day of the marathon when all other places seemed stressed and unprepared for the crowds (got coffee served in a cracked plastic cup which ended all over me). Decided to move from the busy area and chose Coba for lunch. Wonderful tasty food and kind and attentive owner who didn't charge me for coffee. Highly recommended."

Café Lavinal

➤ à Bages, pl. Desquet, 33250 Pauillac, France

Carta • Cafés • Pizza • Mexicain • Asiatique

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"Nous avions réservé spécialement en ce samedi soir et restions sur le souvenir d'1 soirée cool et d'1 carré d'agneau à tomber, il y a quelques années...bref 40 kms plus tard, nous retrouvons le cadre et la beauté de ce café et découvrons la cour arrière oû sont dressées les tables. Accueil sympa, nous choisissons, apres les apéros, 2 menus à 38,00 € et 1 château Fonreaud.Le vin est débouché et laissé sur la table, pas de dégustation, pas de service. Les plats s'enchaînent sans qu'on nous demande notre appréciation et l'addition est posée sur la table sans qu'on la demande...Bref alors que nous souhaitions passer 1 soirée plutôt cool, tout à été bâclé en 1 heure et demi...Dommage car les plats sont fins et bien équilibrés (notamment la lotte). Nous faisons part de notre déconvenue à la personne qui nous a accueillis qui s'est excusée. Bref, retour à l'hôtel du golf au Pian médoc 1 peu frustrés de notre soirée...A refaire dans d'autres conditions."

La Cambuse

➤ 2, Quai Leon Perrier, 33250, Pauillac, France

Carta • Sushi • Cafés • Pizza • Asiatique

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"Gorgeous restaurant. The food was scrumptious. I had the meal of the day. The sauce was to die for. My husband had the beef steak. It melted in his mouth. Friendly service. Our French is very poor so the service staff translated the menu of the day so we knew what we weee getting. Of course, we apologised for our limited French language skills."