A la Pomponette

We didn't reserve a table which wasn't a problem. The problem started once we were seated. The staff seemed totally bored by their job and we had to wait for ages before we got the menu. After that more waiting and more waiting. Given the fact that they weren't that busy, one wonders what it is like at busy times!. My starter of duck was ok, quite tasty and done with traditional flair . I made the mistake to order cod as a mains. The cod was not fresh and overcooked and as a result very leathery, on the whole a totally indifferent dish which was very poor value. My pudding of millefeuille was terribly sweet and the chocolate sauce was out of a bottle. Cooking like this is complacency at its worst. I have lived in France for 7 years, cooking in the UK has improved enormously over the last years. The french by contrast are frozen in their belief that their food is above criticism. Wake up, the food is not awful but it lacks freshness, creativity and above all the service is below zero. Not worth the rather pricey bill of 80euros for the 2 of us.
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Irena Sibrijns
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3
Saturday, September 12, 2009

Fortunately our experience at La Pomponette is vastly different. We had 3 wonderful meals at La Pomponette - THREE because the food, wine, and service was SO MEMORABLE that we wanted to explore all the delights of the menu, & service -- only wish there had been time to have many more – they represent classic French regional cuisine. We have sent numerous travellers to La Pomponette in the last year and they all say that it was one of the highlights of their travel. La Pomponette epitomises all that the slow food movement represents - the flavours are rich and subtle, the textures are memorable, the staff are knowledgeable about wines, and are very generous with their time. You feel like you are stepping back in time when you dine at La Pomponette – the décor is memorable - incredible history, photographs, and drawings.

The people who complain that La Pomponette is expensive sadly do not recognize the amazing value the experience they offers represents.

I am so sad to hear that some travellers are so fixed in their eating habits that they are not open to new cultural experiences – stay home if you want things to be like home.
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Erica Maxwell
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, March 22, 2009

Unfortunately we had the same experience as C Pearson. The food was extremely expensive, the service mediocre and the quality of the food was diabolical. I could have got better in my local chip shop! The meal incl. a caraffe of wine and half a bottle of water cost 90 Euros. The restaurant most certainly does not deserve the recommendations in the tour guides.
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Claudia Stetskamp-Tomlinson
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Saturday, January 03, 2009

We were recommended this restaurant a few years ago by a friend. Clearly the place has declined considerably since she visited.

We hadn't booked, but as there were plenty of tables, this wasn't a problem. However, once we were seated the staff proceeded to ignore us, in spite of the dining room being barely full. The maitre d' was wandering around chomping on a baguette, studiously avoiding eye contact. We weren't even offered bread or anything to drink. People who had been served were finishing their starters with plenty left over on the plate, so the food can't have been that good.

After 20 minutes of waiting, an American couple near us got up and left, the man's face a picture of rage. It was a waste of time, and I would warn anyone considering a visit to avoid.
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C Pearson
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, September 24, 2008