Le Jardin des Sens (Montpellier, France)

Every time we are in the south of France; we always decide to celebrate the holidays with a lunch at the two starred Michelin restaurant in Montpellier...Le Jardin des Sens. This famous restaurant is owned and run by the very famous twin brothers...Jacques & Laurent Pourcel.


We were amazed that the restaurant was packed packed packed for lunch; the demand was so high, that they had to open the private meeting room as well. We were smart to make a reservation in advance. Though it was after Christmas; people were still in the mood for a big holiday lunch. The menu déjeuner 45 euro which includes 1 glass of wine, is such a bargain and I think that is why the place was packed.


To start our lunch were some hot amuse-bouche.


The next amuse-bouch were deep fried Tête de veau.


The next amuse-bouch was Avocado mousse.


The next amuse-bouche was Soupe de potiron.


My starter was Le Trio de fois grad de canard : side of a tartlette with candied onions and an emulsion of mushrooms and jarrett de boeuf.


My friend's starter was L'assiette autour de la Méditerranée : tartar of St. Jaques, rouelle of calamari and grilled rouget fillet.


My main dish was La ballottine de poulet fermier : purée of chestnut, galette of gambas on a bed of spinach.


My friend's main dish was Le filet de cabillaud en four : croûte de tomate, vegetables with thyme and an emulsion of fennel.


Les gourmandises.


The dessert of the day was fresh raspberries on a short bread with mango ice cream & sauce.


Overall; the food was very good & the presentation of each dish was beautiful, the service as usual was efficient & friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. The price & quality ratio is out of this world with the 45 euro lunch menu.

The only complaint that I can think of was that for an establishment like this one; the service personnel's uniform standards needs to be uplifted. For example; black shoes that were not shined and looked as if the staff went on a hike with their work shoes, or uniforms that were ill fitting, unironed or stained were signs of management not taking care of paying attention. I know this might be petty or that I pay too much attention to detail; but for a two starred Michelin establishment, not only does the food have to be delicious & perfect but there has to be other standard that needs match the food as well.

11 Avenue Saint-Lazare
34000 Montpellier
Tel.: 04 99 58 38 38

www.jardindessens.com