Le Classique at Emirates Golf Club, will shut its doors at the end of July – after nearly three decades of serving up fine French cuisine in Dubai. However, before a replacement eatery comes in its stead, the restaurant will host a series of Au Revoir meals this month.
Diners can enjoy a five-course set menu, inspired by chef François Porte, the highly revered French cook who lived in Dubai for more than 30 years and who opened Le Classique in 1988. Some of Porte’s classics that have been are recreated for this menu include: French onion soup, foie gras poêlé with pineapple chutney, lobster thermidor and crêpe Suzette.
The National was invited to review the menu, which costs Dh275 or Dh405 (with select house beverages) per person, and here's what we found. The restaurant was buzzing with diners, some of them members of the golf club, all of them enjoying the deliciously creamy lobster, which is so popular that guests are requested to pre-order it when they make their reservations. Another favourite from the menu, the succulent steak Diane is elaborately prepared at the table. While I did away with the pineapple chutney, which was too sweet for my taste, the foie gras it came with was just the right consistency – a crisp but delicate exterior with a flavourful pâté within.
Another must-try is the gratinated goat’s cheese and a garlicky Melba toast with a hint of pesto, which is served just before dessert –the chocolate fondant is ideal for dark chocolate lovers and the saccharine overloaded strawberry mille-feuille is best avoided, but it’s the peach Melba that takes the cake.
While the reasons for the restaurant closing were not spelt out, this is a great time to sample the best of the now iconic eatery. The Au Revoir menu will be available until July 23, for lunch and dinner on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, for lunch on Tuesdays and for dinner over the weekends. The restaurant is closed on Monday. Call 04 417 9999 or email emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com to make a reservation.
