Comments on: Review: Passage 53 http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=passage-53-my-new-favorite Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:04:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 By: Laidback http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-111 Laidback Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:49:04 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-111 We just finished the €45, 5 course lunch, highlighted by the veau de lait. Interestingly, my wife loved the chairs as she pushes to reach 5 ft., and found them very comfortable since her feet reached the floor. I was also comfortable on the cushy banquette, but I enjoyed the end seat with a semi-wrap around back that was perfect for resting my arm between courses. We definitely did not leave hungry, which I feared after the 1st couple of dainty courses, but as the meal finished with a crescendo, we were sated. The colimaçon is terrible for us big boys. The wine list is a tribute to Burgundy, especially the whites, as the sommelier recently worked there. We just finished the €45, 5 course lunch, highlighted by the veau de lait. Interestingly, my wife loved the chairs as she pushes to reach 5 ft., and found them very comfortable since her feet reached the floor. I was also comfortable on the cushy banquette, but I enjoyed the end seat with a semi-wrap around back that was perfect for resting my arm between courses. We definitely did not leave hungry, which I feared after the 1st couple of dainty courses, but as the meal finished with a crescendo, we were sated. The colimaçon is terrible for us big boys. The wine list is a tribute to Burgundy, especially the whites, as the sommelier recently worked there.

]]> By: Meg http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-110 Meg Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:49:43 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-110 Hi Sigrid, I'm sure you can try to reserve the upstairs table. Just ask! Hi Sigrid,
I’m sure you can try to reserve the upstairs table. Just ask!

]]> By: Sigrid http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-109 Sigrid Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:58:32 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-109 Can you reserve the upstairs table? We would love to go there but the way you describe the downstairs situation doesn't sound too tempting ... Can you reserve the upstairs table? We would love to go there but the way you describe the downstairs situation doesn’t sound too tempting …

]]> By: Nancy http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-108 Nancy Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:07:16 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-108 We also had the 10 course degustation, with similar selections, it seems. I loved the dinner. I too was amazed by that crust for the chocolate tarte -- our ice cream was caramel, though. Also, we sat upstairs at the private table, which elevated our experience, both literally and figuratively. We also had the 10 course degustation, with similar selections, it seems. I loved the dinner. I too was amazed by that crust for the chocolate tarte — our ice cream was caramel, though. Also, we sat upstairs at the private table, which elevated our experience, both literally and figuratively.

]]> By: Meg http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-107 Meg Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:36:18 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-107 Yep, it's a Japanese chef in the house. I didn't mention the decoration because I don't love it. The cracked tile floors and narrow spiral staircase (to the bathroom) have a certain charm. Beyond that, the space lacks soul. They've added a row of banquettes against one wall, so each table has one booth seat and one freaky club chair seat. Previous reviews have complained ferociously about those chairs and I agree. They're not comfortable and they sit lower than the banquette so that the two diners are not at the same height. Ridiculous. Moreover, the back of the booth is so far from the table that you're obliged to either slouch way back or sit up straight without support. If they changed their seating they'd have a star within the year. As for the portions, they're on the small side but exceedingly rich. And we're talking 10 courses for the dégustation (the one at €80) so hunger honestly isn't a problem. Yep, it’s a Japanese chef in the house.

I didn’t mention the decoration because I don’t love it. The cracked tile floors and narrow spiral staircase (to the bathroom) have a certain charm. Beyond that, the space lacks soul. They’ve added a row of banquettes against one wall, so each table has one booth seat and one freaky club chair seat. Previous reviews have complained ferociously about those chairs and I agree. They’re not comfortable and they sit lower than the banquette so that the two diners are not at the same height. Ridiculous. Moreover, the back of the booth is so far from the table that you’re obliged to either slouch way back or sit up straight without support.

If they changed their seating they’d have a star within the year.

As for the portions, they’re on the small side but exceedingly rich. And we’re talking 10 courses for the dégustation (the one at €80) so hunger honestly isn’t a problem.

]]> By: Adam http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-106 Adam Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:06:57 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-106 Isn't this the place that has a Japanese chef? That could explain the rather daring and unusual combinations you describe so well. You don't mention the decoration, but whenever I've walked past here it has always seemed really cold and impersonal - am I mistaken? Also, without wanting to take anything away from the skills of the kitchen staff, it doesn't look like the kind of place to go if you're hungry! What's wrong with une tarte entière?! Isn’t this the place that has a Japanese chef? That could explain the rather daring and unusual combinations you describe so well. You don’t mention the decoration, but whenever I’ve walked past here it has always seemed really cold and impersonal – am I mistaken? Also, without wanting to take anything away from the skills of the kitchen staff, it doesn’t look like the kind of place to go if you’re hungry! What’s wrong with une tarte entière?!

]]> By: Food Snob http://megzimbeck.com/2009/11/passage-53-my-new-favorite/#comment-105 Food Snob Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:33:58 +0000 http://megzimbeck.com/?p=1519#comment-105 Great read. It is a very exciting place. I love the cauliflower-calamri dish. So happy you enjoyed it! Great read. It is a very exciting place.
I love the cauliflower-calamri dish.

So happy you enjoyed it!

]]>