Rue du Palais Gallien has a very varied food offer, I admit… From street (junk?) food to refined bistronomy, including my favourite among all Bordelais spots, all categories combined, the "Raviolon", which I will tell you about soon.
Today, I tested for you what is at the number.
Once you push the door of @salondetheoctaviesbynajat, you step into the cocoon imagined by Najat.
The drink menu offers a magnificent choice of teas from the Parisian brand "Nina's", whose fruit is sourced, exclusively, partly from the King's kitchen garden at the Château de Versailles.
But Najat, focused on quality, also offers the delicious juices and fruit nectars from "Drôme-based Alain Milliat", wines, coffee from l'Alchimiste, etc… Good stuff! Really good!
On the food side, Najat delivers. Both times I had lunch there (I seriously test before offering you my addresses, you know!), in 2 totally different contexts, I loved it! You will not find 52 starters, 43 mains and 74 desserts at Najat's. And this is exactly what I love. Usually, the menu has 3 or 4 choices of dishes and desserts. You will enjoy with your eyes as much as your palate, believe me. The dishes are fresh, colourful, perfectly seasoned and offer a beautiful, fair balance.
When I said cocoon earlier, it is the right word on several counts. First, the "girly chic" decor (naturally, one of Nina's iconic teas is the Marie-Antoinette!) adds to that cocoon feeling: a little pink(s), a nice touch of black, lots of white, period furniture, super comfy chairs and sofas.
Then, there is the peace of the place, whether you head to Najat's for lunch with a friend or a tea on your own to catch your breath. Najat quietly makes sure you have everything you need, then steps back and leaves you in your bubble. So much so that I have a tip for you: do not do like us, keep an eye on the clock, or you will be very late back to the office!
I am telling you, Octavie's, the little new one on rue du Palais Gallien, might quickly become the gem of our days…
