If you’re in for a night abroad but can’t be teleported to the likes of Paris or New York, then Brasserie Lorraine in Kolonaki, Athens, should do the trick. An immaculate dining room with impeccable service and certainly one of the top 2 burgers in Athens!
It’s a long weekend evening as we’re visiting the resto downtown a fellow foodie has recommended as their favourite one in the city. Despite the high profile names of Giannis Morakis and Giorgos Melissaris behind the conception of this fine brasserie, I’m kind of skeptical as these joints usually come and go very fast. As I’m walking up Spefsipou street in Kolonaki, I’m greeted by a very warm, friendly and organised service staff – all dressed in white, tucked in uniforms ready to delight.
We start off with the house bread – a selection of a crispy though fluffy rustic baguette; a solid brown and a thinly-sliced brioche– served with a sour butter that comes sprinkled with fleur de sel. Alongside, a refreshing roasted beets salad, fourme d’Ambert cheese from Provence, and a mandarin pistachio dressing. Last but not least, grilled asparagus that come in a comte cheese au gratin – all pleasantly tasty.
Before our escargots de Bourgogne arrive (oh yes, soaked in garlic butter and served with a thinly sliced grilled bread), we duck outside for a quick smoke (kindly offered by the service staff) and an aperitivo. As we catch up on everyday life and the quiet Athens over the long weekend, we take note of the Athenian diners that have started amassing. A fine mix of elegant young diners, flashy couples and fun groups in their late 50s. We slowly make our way back in and the tunes have slightly changed as the pianist has quietly taken his seat and has kicked off some classics that blend nicely with the busy chatter.
The main dishes arrive and it’s time for the real action to begin! A generous Entrecôte steak, cafe de Paris sauce on the side, and a chunky black Angus burger. We oblige to the standard photoshoot before the waiter does the ceremonial bit of pouring the beef jus on top of the burger.
The beautifully grilled Entrecôte is covered in a very fine, herby cafe de Paris sauce, served with pomme frittes and grilled vegetables. And the meaty, charred black Angus burger sits between melted mimolette cheese, caramelised onions and the soaked bottom bun… man, what a treat!
Panagiotis Zokos has created a very solid menu that’s executed gracefully by the team on a daily basis. We may not have tried our favourite foie gras, the beef tartare or the duck a l’Orange, but we’ll surely be coming back very soon!
Top marks across the board!
