Le Grand Velum - Chaumont-sur-Loire

Couldn't accommodate us at our booked time. Thereafter presentation very good and waiters were as you would expect in a good restaurant. Amuse bouche lovely. Entre looked lovely but too many fighting flavours with the langoustines and the veal dish, again looked beautiful but too peppery, salty. The apple dessert was bitter and certainly didn't taste anyway near as good as it looked...couldn't finish it. The strawberry dessert was similarly pretty but bitter. The white wine didn't arrive with the starter and water wasn't brought immediately as is normal in French restaurants. We have eaten in a good many Michelin starred restaurants and this wouldn't make the cut. Disappointing taste experience, Perhaps a bad day for the chef? Maybe he/she doesn't taste often enough or re examine the taste combinations. We probably will bring a picnic to the garden festival next time!

I had lunch with a friend on the 07/17/18. We both ordered the duck. As soon as the silver dome was lifted, tens of flies rushed to the dishes. It was impossible to eat. I had to fan my guest plate in order for her to eat. We asked the waitress who told us that we had flies because we order the duck and that we were lucky because last year it was waps. At the end of meal (which was delicious) we asked the waitress to ask the manager for some kind of gesture to make up for the desagreement. The answer came as a No!. It is very sad that one single person: the Manager could ruin the good job done by the Chef and waitresses.In addition, knowing that flying insects could be a problem, solution do exist with fans at the entrances to keep insects away. This is by no mean a cheap place and they can afford it. Very desapointed by the lack of manners of this manager who should pick up the grass instead.

Today we visited the beautiful grounds and gardens of the chaumont chateau. In between walks we decided to try the lunch at Le Velum. The menu was definitely unique and really does a great job of showcasing the seasons bounty. Our starter and Plat each came with a smell stick designed to help elevate the senses to enjoy the food at the highest level. I had the duck with the blackberry sauce, fresh green beans, and roasted red pepper purée. The scent stick was scented with geranium and it certainly was a mind blowing experience to take a bit of food and smell the scented stick. At first I thought it was a little silly, but it is based on the connection that all our senses have and it truly made a difference. My husband had the honey lamb, potatoes, and roasted tomato. Again, the complexity of flavor was immense. Highly recommend not only for the food which is delicious and beautiful, but for the experience as well.

High standards in this airy glasshouse with an interesting menu and great service. Popular, so count on a bit of a wait to be seated.

This restaurant is incredible. The plates look so beautiful and let you explore new combinations, as for example jasmine tea and pistachio. I am adding pictures of our dishes because they were just so beautiful. Make sure to reserve a place! It is very much worth it to go there; this restaurant is a whole experience