My love affair with all things French continues after enjoying the Perigord Black Truffle and Bordeaux Wne Dinner at one of my favourite French restaurants- Lutece.
Lutece opened in Bardon in July 2013 and has quickly become a firm favourite amongst Brisbane foodies. Under the guidance of renowned Brisbane chef Romain Bapst the restaurant has gone from strength to strength winning many awards of excellence. The stylish décor and breathtaking views make it a must do for those looking for a night out with a touch of class.
The Dinner
Lutece hosts many special occasions, be it ‘ Meet the Maker’ wine dinners to Valentine’s Day Dinners to the splendid ‘Gout De France’ dinners where 1000 chefs with 1000 menus across five continents present a menu based on beautiful French cuisine.
Tonight we enjoy the beauty of black truffles from the appetizer of a fromage and speck pastry with a glass of champagne through to le dessert of poached apples, truffle and crème caramel with a Sauterne dessert wine.
Black Truffles
The finest truffles come from France, particularly in the southwestern region known as the Dordogne. The Perigord truffles are grown in this region of the Dordogne and are often called the ‘Diamonds of Perigord’ . They have a subtle aroma and earthy flavour reminiscent of rich chocolate. The last time I ate black truffles was in the beautiful restaurant Faust which can be found under the Pont de Alexandre in Paris. It was a snowy, bitingly cold day and the black truffle pasta we had for lunch will always live in our memories as one of our best meals ever. So ,tonight we knew we where in for a treat.
The Dinner
1st course pays homage to the famous French chef, Paul Bocuse. Paul Bocuse is 91 now and Chef Romain is going to visit him soon for what may be one of their last dinners together. The soup served tonight was based on a recipe that Paul served to the French President, Valery Giscard D’Estang in 1975. It comes with a puff pastry top, which when you cut through, your delicious black truffle soup is nestled warmly inside. Very special!
Next was a sweet Western Australian lobster salad paired with a 2007 Chateau de Fieuzal Blanc. If you’re a Lobster fan Lutece also do a special lobster dinner.
Third course (pictured) was my husband’s favourite, an angel hair pasta with a’ fried egg’ Parmigiano Reggiano and of course, black truffle. The lightest of pasta with a creamy sauce was enhanced when you broke the cheesy egg and the bright yellow yolk spilled out complementing all the flavours, especially the truffle.
My favourite was the next course (pictured), a 72 hours braised 
Australian Wagyu oxtail with the black truffle and onion ‘soubise’, carrot and orange purée. The meat just melt in the mouth and these flavours all blended beautifully . We were treated to a 2006 Chateau La Fleur de Bouard to accompany these robust flavours.
By the cheese course of Brique d’ Affinois we were all loosening our belts and yet this creamy cheese with a seam of black truffle was worth it. Delicious!
Dessert (pictured) was like a song with soft apple which had been poached in the accompanying Sauterne hitting the right notes when teamed with the decadent crème caramel and of course, truffle.
The accompanying Bordeaux were all from Chateau Petrus gaia, Chateau La Fleur de Bouard and Chateaux les Grands Marechaux and had been matched perfectly to each course.
About the Chef
As each course was served Chef Romain would come and tell us a little bit about it and delight in our reactions to the food. This only enhanced the whole dining experience.
Romain Bapst has long been a fixture of the Brisbane fine dining scene. He trained extensively in France before arriving in Australia in 1990. In Brisbane he is well remembered for being at the helm of Il Centro for 13 years, before taking over the reins at Drift Milton and Brookwater. At Lutece, Romain uses the finest produce to create French bistro classics based on his Alsatian heritage. You know you are in the most experienced hands at this restaurant and you are always welcomed back warmly on each visit.
After feeling like we’d just visited France it was hard to step out, not onto chilly cobble stoned streets, but into yet another steamy Brisbane night. The food and ambience had been spectacular and as for the black truffle dinner, well as Arnie would say, “I’ll be back.” Of course you don’t have to wait for a special occasion, there are fixed price menus for lunch, dinners by sunset and romantic dinners just for two. For a little taste of France in the western suburbs of Brisbane head to Lutece. Bon Appetit!
Lutece is located at 1/60 MacGregor Terrace, Bardon QLD 4065. Visit www.lutece.com.au
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
Thank you, Jen. It was a very special meal in a beautiful setting.
Beautifully written Michelle! My taste spuds were watering from your descriptions!