Eating in Marseille

Found an old travel journal about Marseille, France Thanks to my terrible sense of direction, I stumbled upon La Mercy—a restaurant that feels refreshingly out of place amid its surroundings. 🟧 P1: The left dish was a pleasant mix of sweet and salty, right up my alley. The right one was a tower: a crispy, biscuit-like base topped with dried salted fish. That hint of saltiness elevated the crunch, making it a fantastic amuse-bouche—definitely got me excited for what was to come 😚. 🟩 P2: Cucumber water paired with chunks of crusty bread, all about that clean, crisp vibe. The plate featured tuna sashimi, bamboo shoots, melon balls, cucumber, and cucumber flowers (no soup here). First bite: the tuna was cool but not icy, silky like good sashimi. Second bite: the melon balls—wow. A sprinkle of pepper made their sweetness tingle with a subtle kick, a perfect sweet-spicy combo. Next to them, the bamboo shoots crunched satisfyingly. The cucumber’s fresh, mild flavor balanced everything out, lightening the palate 💭. 🟪 P3: Stone bass salad. The fish (likely sea bass) was garnished with edible roses, cilantro, and green onion. Red and yellow bell peppers added a pop of color, while cherry tomatoes brought tangy sweetness. The chef seasoned it with lime, vinegar, and salt. When I asked about his inspiration, he said, “It’s too hot—this kind of food hits better” 🥝. 🟨 P4: Lamb chops with a pink, juicy center and a crispy, seared crust—no gamey aftertaste at all. They got a bit rich after a few bites, but the dollop of purée next to them worked magic. It cut through the richness with hints of almond, sesame, and maybe milk. What stuck with me most? Watching the head chef run the kitchen: calm, precise, and strict. He even fussed over the purée’s shape, making sure it had a sharp, almond-like point with a spoon 🥄—in control, yet totally effortless. The plate was finished with pickled veggies (tasting like the spicy radish strips I ate as a kid) and vibrant greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette 🥬🍆. #Marseille #StreetFoodVibes #France #AuthenticEatsWhileTraveling#Marseillefood#Marseillelove