On this, our second New Year's Eve in Hanoi, we decided to enjoy the multi-course meal at Le Beaulieu, the French restaurant of record in Hanoi, located in the Hotel Metropole. On our tourist visits to Hanoi we were privileged to stay in this building which dates to 1901.
Le Beaulieu's chef Didier Courlou had a long and distinguished career, but his successor, Boris Cuzon is having no trouble keeping up the tradition of fine French food. While all of this luxury comes at a price, it is certainly a good value and far less than one would pay in Paris or New York or other world capitals.
Each course was a marvel with a variety of flavors, textures and colors. We won't go into total detail, but some of the highlights included langoustines inside a
torchon of foie gras, venison medallions and eight exquisite cheeses presented in a box like so many fine chocolates.
The citrus granita intermezzo was served in a shot glass which was in a block of ice, together with a mini-shot of vodka. The ice sparkled with colored lights that were somehow embedded inside. A remarkable experience!
We were a bit amazed by the number of young people who were there. A Russian couple and a British pair were at the adjacent tables and they had been all around the world and in a style to which we would love to become accustomed!
Carol had her first bus ride in Hanoi after the new year as we rode up to Veggy's, an upscale emporium that has salmon, rack of lamb and French cheeses. We also got bagels and cream cheese
and, in a big departure from the New Year's menu, DODGER DOGS!!!!
While there are still some things that are difficult to obtain, Hanoi has quite a few surprises in the world of food.
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