About 4 days have passed since we dined at La Cache a Vin. Why is this important for my review, you ask? Well, I wanted to give my experience time to mature deep within my mind prior to putting pen to paper and bring my thoughts to you. A very good friend had recommended the restaurant to us last year. He said that they were only open for lunch which would have been a challenge for my spouse and I to make, but the way that he described his dining experience meant that LA Cache a Vin was never too far from my mind.
I googled the restaurant several days to a week prior and was pleased to see that they were now open in the evenings. Reservations are tough to get last minute, but there was a cancelation a few minutes before I rang. BINGO!!! The only caveat for my booking was that we would only have two (2) hours to complete our meal since our cozy and romantic table was reserved for another couple at 8PM. We parked on the street, however, there is a small parking lot adjacent to the entrance. Depending on your booking, this area may be full. Located on the lowest level of the building, the restaurant has a quaint and old world feel that is akin to a wine cellar with exposed wooden beams and whitewashed bricks for walls. The tables are very rustic (sans tablecloths) and have matching earth-toned, comfortable leather seats to accommodate intimate dining or larger gatherings. We did not have an opportunity to view the private dining room, but we did see a large party arrive and saw them escorted to their event. It may be worth noting that traffic can be atrocious getting to the CBD in the evening, so be sure to allot extra time to manage potential traffic delays.
Since we knew we were time constrained, we had already decided that we would order the Degustation Menu. We were a little concerned weather we would get through the meal on time, but the service was excellent. The meal began with an amuse bouche. It was a wonderful caramelized onion tart that was rich and decadent and an awesome start to our meal. Next up was the kingfish salad. The fish was well prepared, as was the accompanying frisse salad, however, I found that there could have been ½ as much dressing, and it would have been more than enough. The gravlox gave way to one of the stars of the menu, the scallops. I've come to understand that the measure of a chef can be derived from their ability to use ingredients that are not your favorite and do something remarkable with them. I am not a fan of capsicum and was worried about being turned off with this dish, but I was completely blown away. The scallops were perfectly prepared, and the almond butter and capsicum were fantastic. I have never had a dish like this before. Bravo. Next up was the souffle, which was airy, light, and full of flavor. An excellent dish! This was followed by the deboned-quail, stuffed with foie gras. Again, another excellent dish! It was balanced and full of the richness one expected with eating refined French cuisine. Dessert was a traditional creme brulee. There is nothing special there.
I am so pleased that we were able to dined here. The staff were super helpful and friendly. The decor was subtle and understated, and the food was next level. We will do our best to visit again in the...
Read moreWhat a beautiful night at Le Cache au Vin! I went for my birthday with my mum and son and we had an absolutely wonderful evening.
From the outside Le Cache au Vin looks unassuming… like a simple office building… but once you step inside it feels like entering a beautiful rustic cave somewhere in France… with dim lights, and stone walls lined with bottles of wine. The atmosphere is very warm, relaxed and elegant. The tables are well spaced out to provide a feeling of dining intimacy, yet still interconnected with a room full of cheerful diners enjoying their meals at other tables. We felt like we were in our own private dining bubble… yet the unobtrusive sounds of enjoyment of others in the room really added to our beautiful experience.
From the moment we walked in the door the service was impeccable. They addressed us by name, acknowledged my birthday, took our coats, engaged in friendly conversation and led us to the table. The wait staff were appropriately attentive with no question or request being too much trouble. And I love that all the staff are French!
We started by sharing the Prawn and Basil Spring Rolls, which were divine! Followed by the Escargot…. delicate and absolutely delicious. Then we each enjoyed a Cheese Soufflé… which was a rich creamy taste sensation. The flavour and texture was absolutely amazing. Our mains were, Beef Bourginon with honey glazed carrots and mash, Red Emperor with artichokes, and The Confit of Duck with honey and raisins and white cabbage. Each meal was beautifully prepared… cooked to perfection… and presented in traditional French style. There were lots of “oohs” and “aaahs” sharing a taste of each others dish. Then for dessert we enjoyed Crème Brûlée, Apple Puff Pastry, and my son had a duo of icecream which brought a big smile to his face.
Our experience went for well over three and a half hours. We really indulged in a lot of different dishes. Everything was well spaced out. Nothing was rushed. And our waiter flowed to the timing of our needs beautifully.
We had such a wonderful night… a perfect way to celebrate my birthday with loved ones. This was my second time dining here… and the experience has been consistently exceptional. I’ll be sure to come back more often and will highly recommend to others. Thank you to all the staff for making my night so special. I couldn’t imagine a more enjoyable way to spend...
Read moreLa Cache à Vin in Brisbane City is a hidden gem that offers a memorable culinary experience. The classic French bistro ambiance adds to the charm, creating an intimate setting even amidst the bustling crowd.
Each dish we savored was a masterpiece, cooked to perfection and brimming with flavors. From the delightful Soufflé à l'oignon et Fromage sauce Albufera(fluffy soufflé with confit onion, cheese, Foie Gras & Albufera sauce) to the harmonious Coquilles St Jacques au Beurre d'Agrumes (Grilled japanese Scallops with citrus butter), every bite was a delight.
The Caille Rôtie with gratin de pâtes, céleri boule & Speck (Roasted Quail, pasta gratin with celeriac & speck, Mornay sauce & Tarragon jus), and the Gratin Dauphinois showcased culinary expertise. The dessert, Pâte à Choux With Hazelnut Crème Mousseline, was a sweet finale that left a lasting impression.
To elevate the experience even further, we paired our meal with the Bourgogne Rouge Bertrand Pinot Noir. Its exquisite notes perfectly complemented the dishes, enhancing the flavors and adding a touch of sophistication.
The staff’s professionalism and attentiveness, combined with the delightful culinary journey, showcased why La Cache à Vin is not to be missed. They thoughtfully divided our shared main dish and entree into two separate plates, ensuring we could savor each dish without any hassle. With their knowledgeable service, they offer an authentic French experience that tantalizes...
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