Celebrating 12.12.12 @ Claire's Kitchen at Le salon

Me and my food loving co-workers are constantly looking out for excuses to indulge in good food. Tonight we decided to celebrate 12.12.12 at Claire's Kitchen, a French Brasserie on Oxford Street. Given the owner is drag queen Claire de Lune, I had expected it to be over-the-top fancy. Instead I found the place to be tastefully French with chandeliers, framed artwork, antiques, flowers in vases and best of all, filled with graceful, good-looking French waiters.

The food, like the surroundings and the music played, is full of character.  Here they serve comfort French bistro food with a modern touch. I have a soft spot for scallops and the scallops here are so succulent and beautifully cooked - incredibly delicious with the sweet pumpkin puree and appetising shallots and micro herbs. The pork belly with lentils is a satisfying main that is full of flavour. We found the duck pie to be overpowering with the buttery pastry, tasty duck, superbly rich brie and creamy mash. The servings are generous and they are particular liberal with their sauce and purees, resulting in us regrettably saying "non, merci" to a waiter with a tray of tempting desserts on his hands.  

Admiring the sassy artwork and elegant chandeliers and flowers above 

Very French and chic

Complementary bread and butter

Traditional French snails in garlic, parsley and Cognac butter

Asparagus, white peach, candied walnuts 

served in a parmesan basket with pink grape fruit dressing

L Loves... Roasted scallops with pumpkin sabayon and micro herbs

A closer look at these succulent scallops

Sweet corn and saffron soup with chargrill prawns

Duck and Pinot Noir Pie 

with melted brie under the puff pastry crust

Cutting open the flaky pie crust 

L Loves... Braised pork belly served with Puy lentils and drizzled with beetroot reduction

The desserts tray... maybe next time!

L's Verdict:

·   Taste: 8/10

·   Ambience: 4/5

·   Value: 4/5 

·   Service: 4/5

·   Creativity and other WOW factors: 3/5 

Overall rating: 23/30

Claire's kitchen at Le salon

35 Oxford Street

Darlinghurst, NSW 2010

Ph: (02) 9283 1891

Open Tues – Sat 6pm to 12 midnight

Visited December 2012

Friendly advice: This place is perfect for a ladies night out. It's bookable via Dimmi, where you can get instant confirmation of your reservation and accumulate points for a free meal!