An Exclusive, 14-Room Country Estate Set Amid Some of the World's Best Vineyards

Wed Jan 24 2024 15:04:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by LeDrole

The hotel that we checked-in to in the stunning medieval city of Guérande didn't offer evening meals, but fortunately I went out to do a recce to see what the walled city had to offer on the dining front. Whilst my wife changed for the evening I ventured out into the cold with light fading and found Le Logis, but the lights were out and it looked like it was still closed, as many other places we found on our travels hadn't yet re-opened for business after their Christmas break. There was a bar in the adjacent building, which had menu prices in the window, but when I walked in I was told it was drinks only. Having returned with my findings – not much on offer as it seemed – we both walked to the bar that I had called in to and we ordered drinks. Although this was a bar serving drinks only, we were taken to a table where we ordered drinks. This is by far the most civilised way to enjoy a drink out, rather than having to stand at a bar and wait to be served, and then fight your way back to your table. The one good thing about Covid was that pubs and bars could only serve you at your table, to minimise contact with others, of course, But, this meant that you didn't have to keep going to the bar to order. When you finish your drinks and you decide what to do, it's much easier to leave, but my argument is that bars and pubs would probably sell more drinks, because waiting-on staff would be continually circulating to see who might be ready for another. Back to the bar we were in and I saw that vin chaud (their equivalent of mulled wine) was available and at 4€ a glass it was very good value for money. We were both a bit under the weather, so the mulled wine felt almost medicinal as the cloves worked their magic on our blocked noses. As we walked to the bar we had noticed that lights at Le Logis were on and having had a look at the menu we were sold. I headed out from the bar to book a table and returned to savour the mulled wine, which turned out to be a rather good apéritif, as I approached the restaurant feeling rather hungry. As we entered the warm and inviting restaurant we were met with the usual courteous greeting: 'messieurs-dames' and we were taken to our table. To the right of the main entrance was an original cast iron wood-burning grill, which was used for cooking the meat and a real spectacle. So, to the food. How was it? In recent years there has been much debate about which is better, French or English food and some critics have tended to favour English cuisine. The food that we were presented with, especially at the price point, was superior to any food that I have had in the UK in recent years. The family-owned restaurant, as all family businesses, bring the extra passion and personality that you cannot replicate if you're a chef or waitress with no ties to the owner, other than the monthly pay cheque. I am not suggesting that chefs that don't own a business aren't as passionate about their trade as a chef patron, but there is something important that the owners impart. Our starters, we both had the same, was gravlax (cured salmon) served with creamed avocado and bread. The salmon was fresh and beautifully presented, and delicious. Not a large portion, but for a starter it was perfectly proportioned. We also chose the same main course, faux filet, which doesn't really have a direct translation as French butchers produce different cuts of meat. However, we were presented with a generous steak (think sirloin meets rump steak), cooked medium rare on the wood-fired grill. The steaks were served with thinly-sliced boiled potatoes and finely cubed sauté potatoes with puréed sweet potato. Despite the simplicity of the presentation, the steaks were succulent and cooked exactly as we both prefer. Each mouthful was a revelation to the point that conversation stopped as we both worked our way through the juicy steak and potatoes. During the evening we had 50cl of rosê (22€) and 50cl of smooth, easy drinking red (24€), which were respectively the perfect partners for the salmon and steak. The service was perfectly paced and we were never hurried, but equally we were never waiting too long to order, or for the various courses to arrive. After the plates were cleared we were presented with the menu to choose our desserts and this time we went our separate ways. My wife went for the salted caramel ice cream and I went for the chocolate praline tart, topped with roasted hazelnuts. Coffee was offered and accepted, and then having paid the bill we headed back out into the cold January night. So, how much? The set menu was 37€ (£31) and the wines were respectively £18.40 and £20. The after dinner coffees were £2.20 (2.60€). The total was 125€ (£105) and we left a tip of £12.60 (15€), more than the usual 10%, but totally deserved. By comparison, I paid £60 for two main and two glasses of wine at a pub in a village near to where we live, so just over £100 for a sumptuous two-hour dining experience was worth every centime. The French v English cooking will continue, of course, but on this occasion the French restaurant was in another league.

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Sun Dec 26 2021 14:55:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by PascalFabie

Friendly and very special galettes, yummy. Unusual tastes and good sense of humour. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a warm diningcexperience .

Sun Nov 10 2019 08:54:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by LuisClement

Great place, great food and excellent service!!! Better to get a reservation as it is always full. A+

Sun Nov 10 2019 08:52:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Claudia C

We had an excellente lunch at this restaurant. They are specialized in Crêpes, and I think they have the best crêpés in Brittany! So delicious! The service is great. We will be back, for sure.

Sat Oct 19 2019 14:42:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by RoseAlee

My wife and I are at Le Logis twice whilst staying in Guerande. It was located about a half a block from the B&B where we were staying. I relatively new to crepes other than my wife’s, and was pleasantly surprised at the variety. Our first trip was so good, we returned our last night for dinner. The host was a delight and we were seated so I could watch the continuous crepe making. We really liked this place. We can definitely recommend dining here. Larry & Kelly,Georgetown, Texas