We have quickly learned that there is always a new and exciting place to dine here in Bordeaux on almost every corner, but we had heard about MODJO first from a taxi driver on the day we first arrived here to move in two years ago! We tried to get in once or twice, but the place is small and reservations are essential.
We were joined by Charlene, as Alex had a last minute job. I had looked and the menu quickly, but had no idea it was quite an "elegant" spot with some of the best fine dining in town at excellent prices. One can eat a la carte (starers are 22, mains 34, desserts 17 --all Euros, of course) or the best deal is the 3 course option for 59 Euros($69US--remember there is no tax added and tipping is not essential!). We pondered the two tasting menu options of 79 (4 courses) and 95 (6 courses), and know we will return for these after a full day of not eating!
The space is simple and small with an adorable bar up the stairs to the right rear (I think there are also more tables in the rear). The kitchen is down a narrow flight of stairs (as is the toilet) so the staff have to negotiate this carrying all the plates. We were welcomed with warm lemon-scented towels and taste of rose water. While we perused the menu we all ordered LE MODJO POURORE, their Signature drink or Purple Modjo which was made with lemon, creme de Cassis and Kaffir Lime-infused Cachaca; it was dry, tart and truly yummy; I almost wanted a second one, but declined and we moved on to a superb bottle of local Bordeaux red Chateau Luchey-Halde 2017 from Pessac-Leognan (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot) which was smooth and aged to perfection. Despite it being a traditional Bordeaux red it was ideal with our starters (even the seafood, as the sauces were so rich!).
A triple amuse arrived with a tasty deep-fried fritter of asparagus cream, a spoon of slightly spicy tzatziki with a hint of mint and a delicious mini-souffle container full of thick asparagus cream.
Will and Charlene started with the (all photos on FB) Langoustine rotie, citron yuzu et caviar d'Atlantique which pretty much says it all in French. These yummy local langoustines are grilled and served in a rich citrus sauce with some caviar.
Will tried to explain to the staff in French that he wanted to lick the plate, which came across a tad off in French!
I adored my Morilles fraiches, asperges vertes de Blaye, crumble au charbon vegetal et parmesan, sabayon vin Jaune (morels, local Blaye asparagus, parmesan/vegetable crumble, wine sauce). While we are just entering the white asparagus season here, this dish was an amazing revelation. The fresh morels and the to die for crunchy crumble on top and the rich sauce were indeed decadent and divine. My comment to the staff was simply "je suis en ciel avec ca plat!" (I am in heaven from this dish)...
In addition, there we small loaves of olive/rye bread with the most delicious black garlic butter. They kept bringing more and I kept eating more...OOPS!
The menu has a choice of three starters, mains and desserts and for the mains and desserts we all opted for three different choices and the superb quality of each dish, each bite and each ingredient proved the Modjo really knows what they are doing and explains the fact that you do require a reservation!
Charlene chose the L'oeuf BIO mollet frit, jardin de petits legumes, sauce citron noir, a soft egg crusted with fried crumble, vegetables and black lemon sauce which I am still not sure about. Will went for La criee de ligne du moment (le pegre), petits pois a la francaise et lardo di Colonnata, "the fresh caught line-fish of the day" which was Red Porgy, with peas and lardo with a "surprise" side salad of roasted baby gem lettuce. The peas here are al dente and I love them that way, so perhaps when I make ours from the market I can duplicate it; I think Will still prefers his mushy peas! My Selle d'agneau du Bearn, croute de Nori, artichauts d'Acardie, salicornes, palourdes, bonbon croustillant d'agneau was a perfectly cooked to just past rare Saddle of lamb with nori seaweed crust, artichoke cream, samphire and clam which I honestly could not find but loved it all. The accompanying "spring roll" like side must have been the items I could not really find.
Desserts were all different as well and excelled. Will chose the Souffle glace avocat, ananas roti, glace poivre de Sichuan, pain de Genes (avocado mousse--think semifreddo, roasted pineapple, Szechuan pepper ice cream, a sweet almond cake-like bread or broiche)' Charlene the Chocolat fondant, coeur cacahuetes, glace vanille, croustillant cacao (and I am still at a loss as to what a peanut heart is?) and I had the amazing Rhubarbe, sorbet fraises, sirop d'hibiscus, Arlette vanille fumee(braised rhubarb, strawberry sorbet, hibiscus syrup, smoked vanilla). Two types or mignardises arrived to send us on our way: Coconut/Chocolate/Caramel and Chocolate/Matcha/White Chocolate. As if this was not enough, we each received a small bag with a financier "to-go" which I adored with my coffee this morning! A little reminder that I was still full but absolutely loved everything that Modjo could offer and more.
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