Both from Lyon, chef Pauline Lagon and chef and sommelier Jules Girandon invite us to participate in an explosion of flavors in their gourmet restaurant Copains in Marseille, near Notre-Dame du Mont. The chefs work with fresh seasonal products and favor the short supply chain to take care of our beloved planet. In the evening, they offer a discovery menu for €48 (amuse-bouche, starter, main course, pre-dessert, dessert) or €55 (amuse-bouche, starter, meat dish, fish dish, pre-dessert, dessert).
A cheese plate and a food and wine pairing for €24 (3 glasses) or €32 (4 glasses) is also available. At lunchtime, the main course is €20 while menus at €24 or €28 are offered. Their menus change every two weeks, which allow to come back and discover new tastes.
The ambiance of the interior room is warm, with touches of wood and duck blue. With the smiles and professionalism of the waiters, you quickly feel at ease there. I personally let myself be tempted by the discovery menu at €48 with 2 glasses of wine served during the meal. I went with a blank to start and accompany the amuse-bouche. A very delicious bite to whet our appetite: a delicious foie gras mousse, the cap of a brown mushroom and a parmesan shortbread.
The meal continues with vinaigrette leeks revisited with a tangy sauce and lacy rice chips. The plate is magnificent, the starter is very appetizing, the crunchy and melting textures are present. Everything is very tasty.
At the same time, the restaurant offers us a tasting of their own olive oil, served with a pinch of fleur de sel and bread from Pain Pan in Marseille, an excellent bakery renowned for its organic products.
The meal continues with the dishes and a glass of red tannic Burgundy. On one side a variation of duck, in breast, in stuffing, in tartare, all served on an excellent smoked beet puree, artichokes, tender turnips and duck broth. On the other side of the very tender and delicious cuttlefish, a mango chutney with spices and a green coconut curry emulsion. The flavors are what the chefs promised. The taste associations are very original and successful.
A quenelle of mandarin sorbet drizzled with Japanese Gin was offered to us for pre-dessert. A little fresh and slightly tangy touch, perfect before finishing this lovely taste journey with dessert: parsnip sorbet, pieces of sweet semi-cooked parsnips, crumbled chocolate and praline-hazelnut mousse. I had never eaten parsnips for dessert and I must say that the combination with chocolate was a delight.
For the final touch, a coffee, tea or digestive is offered by the waiters. In winter, I personally opted for Jasmine green tea, perfect for digesting this delicious meal.
Remember to book in advance, the Copains restaurant is often full 2-3 days in advance.
Address: 93 Rue de Tilsit, 13006 Marseille
Tel: 09 53 60 99 91
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