Déjeuner à l'Assiette Champenoise

During a stay in Champagne, I had the pleasure to have lunch at the Assiette champenoise in Tinqueux, near Reims. I had eaten in a few starred restaurants, but never in a three star restaurant, the highest distinction of the Michelin Guide. So you can imagine how excited I was to visit and eat at this iconic restaurant.

Arnaud Lallement’s Cuisine

Trained by renowned chefs such as Roger Vergé, Michel Guérard or Alain Chapel, Arnaud Lallement became interested in cooking at a very young age thanks to his father Jean-Pierre, who was also a starred chef at the time. First Michelin star at only 27 years old, second star at 31, chef of the year by Gault & Millau in 2013, and a third star the following year at the age of 40, that gives you a small idea of the incredible rise and talent of chef Arnaud Lallement.

The very talented and friendly three-star chef Arnaud Lallement

The Emotion Menu

During my visit to the Assiette champenoise, I had the chance to live a unique gastronomic experience with the Emotion menu: 9 courses, each accompanied by a glass of champagne. After a few delicious appetizers, of course accompanied by a good glass of champagne (an excellent blanc de blanc from Étienne Calsac), it was time to move on to the many different courses.

Potée champenoise
Green asparagus S. Erhardt – egg yolk – red sansho (the first two entries were accompanied by a glass of René Grué Carte Noire Chouilly champagne)
Pea tartlet (sounds simple, but it’s the best tartlet I’ve ever eaten) with a beautiful glass of Francis Boulard’s Les Murgiers, 100% pinot meunier champagne
Caviar from Kaviari – Haddock with a glass of G.H. Mumm Golden
Blue lobster with a glass of Nicolas Maillart’s rosé champagne grand cru
Saint Pierre de petit bateau – onion B. Deloffre
Green curry – celery (the last two dishes were accompanied by the incredible Louis de Sacy Cuvée XII in Magnum)
Veal – chimichurri with my favorite champagne of the day, a glass of Pol Roger Brut rosé vintage 2008
Lemon deconstructed – Mr. Baches with an excellent glass of ratafia champenois

Member of Relais & Châteaux

L’Assiette champenoise is not only a 3 star Michelin restaurant, it is also a renowned hotel member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux network with its 33 rooms and suites combining comfort and modernity.

Whether you sleep or eat at the Assiette champenoise, it is an utterly unique experience that awaits you! I can only advise you to go there at least once in your life if your budget allows it!