Les Foudres - Cognac

For our second evening at Les Foudres, we have been combined: charming reception, professional service, particularly attentive staff and simply magical, imaginative and high quality cuisine! An evening like we would like to live more often! Les Foudres are undoubtedly the must-have star of Charente For our second evening at Les Foudres since its opening, we have been more than satisfied : friendly while kind welcoming, highly dedicated management and staff and a wonderful cuisine combining imagination, d’abouts and top quality products and serving. An evening we would like to experience more often when dining out! Les Foudres remain without any doubt the rewarded restaurant to dine out in Cognac!

I truly appreciate my good fortune in being able to dine at amazing restaurants across the globe, each new encounter I try to greet with openness and generosity. That being said, we all make preconceptions, it's only human. I was taken to La Foudres by dear friends who certainly appreciate good food and wine so I was hopeful, but I wasn't expecting anything special. La Foudres certainly is special and it is a lovely surprise on many levels. I love the fact that you have to walk quite awhile before you find yourself in the charming restaurant, it's worth the journey and once seated, the space feels private and allows you to focus on your company and the blissful food. Being a vegan I didn't know what to expect, again my expectations were surpassed with a bravura display of culinary skill and flare. Each course was original, satisfying and beautiful. My lasting impression was that Les Foudres feels of its place and time, an experience, which could not be, replicated anywhere else, and for that, I am truly appreciative.

When we arrived we were greeted at the front door to the complex by a gentleman who served as our guide as we went to the restaurant. It was unclear whether that was planned but he did a wonderful job of explaining the various elements of the complex. Along the way, we asked if we might have an aperitif in the Jazz Bar and he checked with the woman at the spa desk and she said, rather abruptly, no, that would throw off their timing. Assuming that they were fully booked, we understood. Later, we found that they did not approach being fully booked, making her refusal even more bizarre and rude. The restaurant, along with the entire complex, was stunning and elegantly appointed. The immensity surprised us as did the elegance and stunning beauty of virtually everything. We were seated at a lovely table in a more or less private alcove and were served a glass of a very fine champagne. We never really discovered whether the champagne was part of the standard menu, which we later ordered but nonetheless, it was an excellent start to my birthday dinner. We chose the smaller of the two tasting menus on offer as well as a bottle of a Sancerre rather than the wine pairing. Each dish, from the three amuse bouche to pre-dessert and dessert was truly wonderful. The gnocchi was incredible in its lightness, unique texture, and superb flavor but I must point out that it was the brightest among many stars. We have been to quite many Michelin-starred restaurants and the food here was amongst the best that we have had, with each dish being quite exceptional. All in all, distinctly better than a three-star restaurant in which we ate a couple of months ago. Insofar as the service was concerned, the performance was, as mentioned earlier mixed. We were seated by the Maitre d'hotel who was never to return, although we did notice him fawning over a couple of other parties. The dark-haired young woman and wavy-haired tall young man who were our principal servers were wonderful and we could not have been more pleased. Others were sometimes condescending or inattentive which was distressing. I am afraid that I may have distressed a couple of the staff by pointing out elements of their service that were below par. Since we live in Cognac, we will definitely return and we are also eager to try the other restaurant, which is more casual. So, all in all, our experience was excellent. If you are in Cognac and are seeking a meal of the highest quality, I would suggest that Les Foudres has the best kitchen in town.

We were coming for a short and quick bite which was not possible... only due to the fact that the service and food invite you for a long and amazing experience. Everything has been spot on food, service, special attentions, knife service, drinks. The only regret might be a too small dessert. Please continue to take care of our eyes and palates.

A treat from beginning to end. harmonious and delicate kitchen with constant attention to detail without any overtaking. At the most, it could be regretted that there are few local requests for references (outside the frame) to the wine menu that snobbled local products. but the leader claims to be of origin from the countries of the loire