Who knew that a brand new restaurant could feel so comfortable so soon after launching? During a recent lunch with visiting friends from Nashville, Albion had a faint aroma of new wood flooring but felt like it had been there years. Open only five days, it was packed with French-speaking locals which indicates that this area in the 10th was in need of a place like this.
The credit goes to Chef Matthew Ong and wine-bartender extraordinaire Hayden Clout who make a superbe team – hard not to, since they’ve been working together for ten years over at Fish la Boissonnerie before opening this first joint venture. Their experience shows in everything from the ambiance to the menu and the attentive service in-between.
When we arrived, the aroma of roasted garlic coming from the open kitchen, wood tones, shiny zinc bar, and sparkling wine glasses lined up in a row were a nice change from the cold dreary weather outside – and the glass of white while we looked over the menu a gracious welcome.
Although the space is large, the smart leather banquette seating arrangement feels intimate and the neighboring conversation a backdrop of ambiance not an intrusion.
We jumped right into glasses of 2008 Montlouis white (6 euros) with our starters of creamy Burrata with tangy good garlicy pesto worthy of bread sopping the plate clean (8 euros) and a huge bowl of aromatic parsnip soup, pureed with potatoes, turmeric and chorizo (6.50 euros)
Hayden recommended a soft and supple 2009 Saint Chinian red (14 euros) for our mains which called for more throughout lunch.
My cabillaud fish was perfectly cooked, moist inside and crispy skin outside served on a bed of bright green cabbage and briny palourde clams and salty bits of bacon (20 euros). Dennis’ lamb confit with pureed onions and garlic (16 euros), although delicious and full of flavor, didn’t wow as much as Rhea’s simple penne pasta with sun dried tomatoes, spinach and olive oil (12 euros) which was off the charts delicious. It has been a long time since a pasta dish was the winner on the table!
The cheese plate was a nice balance, tempting with Brillat-Savarin, Roquefort and Etivaz with chutney (12 euros) but this orange and lemon creme brulee tart with house made creme fraiche (8 euros) was good enough to make me walk to the kitchen and tell them so.
With proven experience in top-quality ingredients and wine, I’m not worried about these guys one bit. Albion is a smooth little gem off to a great start – nothing fancy but simply delightful.
If only they were open on Sunday!
If you like Albion, you’ll also enjoy Vivant, L’Office and Fish la Boissonnerie
Albion
Cuisine: Modern, French, Italian
Ambiance: Convivial, good vibes, lively
What to Expect: Casual, affordable market-driven menus, carefully selected wine, warm welcome, attentive service
Address and Metro: 80 rue du Faubourg Poissonniere, 10th, Metros: Cadet, Bonne Nouvelle
Télephone: 01 42 46 02 44
Website: http://www.restaurantalbion.com/
Hours and Prices: Closed Sunday & Monday, Open Tue – Sat:12:00 pm-2:00 pm & 7:00 pm-10:00 pm, 8-24 euros.
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Tell them congrats and best of luck!! As usual, great photos and descriptions WL.