Susanne Hou

Food can be truly orgasmic! That’s something you have to experience to believe. After savouring the life-changing sensory wonders of the 14-course tasting menu at Joël Robuchon, I believe it to be one of the top 3 culinary wonders of the world. I haven’t yet experienced the other two, nor do I know where to find them...but I need to be comforted by the notion that there could very well be something else out there just as amazing! 

Let me begin by telling you about my night...I met fellow Bowfirette Stephanie Cadman at ‘The Mansion’ to join our charming and brilliant host Martin Gero (director & producer of Young People F***ing; producer/writer of Stargate Atlantis), and über-talented actors/artists Josh & Celina Dean, Ennis Esmer, and Erin Cahill for an unforgettable evening of desirable delicacies…

After a delightful glass of ‘bubbly’, our gustatory journey continued with the most pristine ‘amuse bouche’: an avocado purée, with an inviting aroma of olive oil...the delicate texture tickled my taste buds like the sweet, crisp mountain air of the Auvergne, and provided an exquisite foretaste of the level of culinary artistry to come.

Flan of asparagus. Couscous with oscetra caviar. Truffled Langoustine. Lemon grass lobster...I closed my eyes and saw the beautiful hills and pastures of Provence, felt the warm waves of the Mediterranean lapping on the shores of the Midi, heard the chansons of Debussy and the suites of Saint-Saëns, experienced the tumultuous thrills of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique! Every dish was distinct, delectable, and divine. For me, the climax of this impressive array of culinary mastery was l’oursin accompagné d’une purée de pomme de terre au café (sea urchin over a potato purée with a hint of coffee). This was the most inventive and surprising pairing of flavours I’ve ever experienced in my life...when the soft sea urchin & potato began to melt in my mouth...My tongue was overwhelmed by the tinge of coffee which articulated the most perfectly electrifying tingle in every one of my taste buds.  It was all so fabulous I had to stifle screams of ecstasy as tears of joy began to flow...!

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Afterward, a sight to behold awaited us. A beautiful carriage of sweets magically transported us to Charlie’s Chocolate Factory...only instead of flowing chocolate rivers or nibbles growing on trees, we were served the very sweetest of delicately crafted miniatures at our table side. Words fail to describe our taste buds’ state of bliss at the end of this extraordinary meal. Truly an experience everyone must enjoy at least once...!