“Bonjour Mademoiselle.” These were the first words I heard
when I walked into iCi Urban Bistro. Two seconds earlier, I had been on the
streets of D.C. With the blink of an eye, I was transported to France. Having
spent time living in Paris, I yearn for the days I spent sipping champagne and slowly devouring dishes of rich French cuisine. Saturday
night, I got the opportunity to do just that at iCi Urban Bistro's Fête de la Gastronomie
Française Champagne Dinner.
As soon as I walked into the contemporary-styled yet elegant
restaurant situated off the lobby of the Sofitel hotel, everyone from the
hostess to the customers was chattering away in French or speaking with French
accents.
My dinner companion and I were seated immediately and waited anxiously
for one of our five empty champagne glasses to be filled.
We didn’t have to
wait long. Within minutes, the champagne was flowing and Pierre, the general
manager of the hotel, began explaining the significance of the event. Saturday,
September 22nd was chosen by the French government as the first Fête
de la Gastronomie Française or “Festival of French Cuisine.” To celebrate this
occasion, Executive Chef Franck Loquet, along with Pastry Chef Vincent Bitauld, designed a five-course menu paired with select
champagnes from Laurent-Perrier, which was celebrating its 200th
anniversary.
The first course, Foie Gras de Canard Poêle, included an enormous piece of foie gras that I
can only describe as a foie gras steak. It was so decadent I could barely get halfway through the “steak” but I devoured the accompanying lightly-salted
Candied Baby Beets. The acidity of the Ultra Brut – the driest champagne available
in the world – was a great contrast to the fattiness of the foie gras.
The third course was served with Laurent-Perrier’s Grand
Siècle, otherwise known as the great century. This champagne is considered the best expression of the House
of Laurent-Perrier, a blend of three exemplary vintages.
Interestingly, while my dinner companion and the rest of the diners were blown
away by this wine, it was my least favorite. Perhaps, because I was so
pre-occupied by the Organic Chicken Breast with Mushrooms, Gnocchi and Truffle Cream
Sauce. Everything on the plate was so perfectly cooked that it literally melted
in my mouth. The mushrooms were like butter and truffle sauce came through on every bite. I could eat this every day!
The fourth course was a Chaource cheese which reminded me of a strong creamy Brie paired with a Red Fruit Jam and a sweet but
understated Cuvée Rosé. It was a perfect pairing in my opinion.
By the time the final dessert course arrived, I was filled to
the brim with French cuisine and champagne. The Apricots Veneziana with Caramelized Almonds combined with the sweet Demi-Sec champagne lulled me over the
edge into a food coma.
Eating at iCi Urban Bistro was one of the best dining
experiences I’ve had in a long time. Aside from the fantastic food and excellent champagne,
the wait staff was incredibly attentive, and while the décor isn’t what I would
imagine as traditionally “French bistro,” the atmosphere and focus on gastronomy
was quintessentially French.
ABOUT ICI URBAN BISTRO:
Located near the White House and Smithsonian, iCi Urban Bistro is about experience - the opportunity to indulge in fabulous sensations, artful presentations, and cool, contemporary twists on timeless French dishes. Executive Chef Franck Loquet believes in utilizing only fresh products of the
highest quality. His French heritage and world-class training motivates him to
ensure each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. iCi Urban Bistro is located 806 15th Street NW, Washington DC 20005. For additional information, please visit http://www.iciurbanbistro.com/ or call (202) 730-8700.
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