Hostellerie Le Fox

The wine pairings were excellent, the service was impeccable, and we left around 23:45 feeling satisfied with the evening. The room itself was decent, though there were no tea or coffee making facilities. For nearly 700 Euros for the meal, room, and breakfast, there are plenty of more reasonably priced places, so I doubt we’d return. Breakfast, served from 08:30 - 10:00, was a real letdown at 25 Euros per person. It was a cold spread of smoked salmon or ham with crisp bread rolls, a choice of juice, not very fresh coffee, and a boiled egg. Omelette or scrambled eggs cost extra, and there was no toast. After the meal the night before, I’d expected a treat. It didn’t feel like breakfast at a 4 star hotel, let alone a Michelin star restaurant. We booked a room with breakfast for a birthday treat after hearing a lot about the place. The menu had changed a couple of weeks before our visit, but still looked good, so we chose the "Expressions" menu with wine pairings. We checked in at around 19:10 and were offered a seat in reception and a choice of aperitif. We both chose the vodka and fresh orange cocktail, which was tasty and refreshing. A few minutes later, the first of four amuse bouche arrived. They were very tasty and left us wanting more. We expected a proper gourmet evening. About 40 minutes after arriving, we were shown to our table. The restaurant was nicely decorated and had relatively few tables, though one piece of modern art looked like a fetus. Most of the food was very nice, but the 'Cuckoo of Malines', slow braised chicken breast with wild mushroom veloute, grilled foie gras, and a lemon vol au vent, was a problem. We both left most of it because it seemed to have grit in it. I’ve eaten at some very good starred restaurants in several countries and never had this happen. I know wild mushrooms aren’t supposed to be washed, but they should be brushed carefully. When we mentioned it, the waitress said it was because they were wild mushrooms, and even the chef told us the same. Gritty mushrooms, wild or not, are unacceptable in any restaurant, starred or otherwise. It was a nice meal and a worthwhile experience, but not what I’d call two Michelin star quality, and very expensive for what it was. Afterward, we went upstairs to bed.