During our trip in April 2016 we wanted to try for lunch a Michelin starred restaurant in Hamburg.
We
thought Le Canard Nouveau had a stunning location, looked beautiful and
the cuisine was an interesting fusion between Germany, the
Mediterranean and Turkey.
We also liked the chef Ali Guengoermues was my own age and had worked at the Kaeferschenke in Munich.
The translation of Guengoermues is quiet poetic. It means: Look into the sun, look towards the day.
Le Canard Nouveau holds a Michelin star since 2006.
The
location is a bit off the beaten track and we took a taxi to get to the
restaurant. It cost under 20 Euro / ca. 22.70 USD one way from our
hotel, The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, but it can vary, depending
on traffic.
The views over the working harbor, the Elbe river and the surroundings are relaxing and very beautiful.
Le
Canard Nouveau is in the same building as Meinhard von Gerkan's
architectural office, who was responsible for the design, and home. The
structure looks like a steam boat from a long gone by era.
A bridge leads down to the restaurant which offers more beautiful views over the water.
The
interior is warm, but understated with lots of wood. The near floor to
ceiling windows allow natural daylight to stream into the dining room.
At the time the tables were covered with white linen cloths and decorated with a tulip in a beautiful and understated vase.
At
the entrance we were greeted by the chef patron personally and brought
to our table inside. We could have chosen to sit on the Lime-tree
terrace too, but thought even so the weather was nice and sunny, it
could get a bit chilly otherwise.
We
were offered an alcoholic aperitif, but we asked for a mocktail, which
wasn't a problem. It contained a rhubarb, apple and orange juice
combination as their house cocktail and it was refreshing and tasty at
the same time and suited the beautiful weather and views perfectly.
The non-alcoholic cocktails were followed by a bottle of Magnus Imperial Water. A light and refreshing gourmet water.
A
bread basket with a mix of more traditional bakery items and thin bread
sheets topped with spices, was served with salted butter.
We
chose to have three courses. There is a two course business lunch menu
available during the week for 39 Euro / ca. 44.30 USD and every
additional course costs 12 Euro / ca. 13.60 USD more.
He had the mackerel with bacon and cucumber. A dish he really enjoyed and is still talking about today.
I had Turkish pasta with tomato and aubergine. It was a well-balanced dish and unusual.
Our
main courses were stone bass with curry foam, cauliflower and
cauliflower mousse and goats cheese tortellini with ginger foam and
lentils.
We loved our dishes. The foams were lightly flavored and not overpowering, it was beautiful and subtle.
As dessert we had two hazelnut mousse with mocca ice cream, which was delicious.
With our hot chocolates came very appetizing petite fours.
Our bill was 136.90 Euro / ca. 155.45 USD.
We
thought the Michelin star is well deserved IMHO and the quality of the
setting, service, food and beverage is overall of a very high standard.
The staff was attentive and there when we needed them.
They
were kind enough to invite us to explore the area a bit further incl.
the Japan Room in the restaurant before calling a taxi for us.
We
would return again to this beautiful restaurant, since we liked the
ambience, understated service, cuisine, views and architecture.
©2016
