Responses to Steffi Giraffe's Review

Respond to Review of Gentle Gourmet Cafe
by Steffi Giraffe

Review: I had been looking forward to going to Gentle Gourmet for a long time and, as often happens when you have high expectations and are looking forward to something, it was slightly underwhelming. I only say this though because it was heavily talked up and I live in London with the likes of Manna, etc. The service was lovely, helpful and welcoming. There were loads of naughty treats to choose from and feel as though you aren't vegan! It felt good to be served a hot chocolate with a huge dollop of 'cream' on top. It was a shame that they had no croissants/pain au chocolats when we went but it seemed that it was out of their control (though I had expected they would have made croissants themselves). We had been especially looking forward to that. They were also out of lemonade which seemed strange. They were also out of some other items. I would have liked to have been able to try some other options but we were only in Paris for one day. I had a ricotta-based starter and main and knew it would be samey but I didn't realise how samey (the ricotta fillings both had the same flavours and olives/vegetables in them, and the dishes were served with the same pesto accompaniment). I don't know if they made their own ricotta but I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that they used Vegusto on top of the cannelloni just because Manna make all their own cheese. I wasn't that enthralled with the cannelloni as it wasn't as saucy and tasty as what I have already made at home but my boyfriend's meal (seitan in fig sauce with polenta) was superb. I think I am more critical than I would have been because there are now so many vegan restaurants and puddings out there that I am once again used to having food I can rave about. The dessert (chocolate bavarois) was good but unfortunately not as special as it could have been. I feel bad to be so negatively comparing this lovely restaurant. I imagine it is a godsend for a vegan living in France. I enjoyed the food and would definitely go back.


You must login to post a response

Login | Register (see member benefits)