Berlin, Germany (Gastrosofie). As we all feel, „consulate“ has the appeal of „embassy“. And that’s exactly what Vinotharan Inparajah intends to be, yes is: an ambassador for fine French cuisine. Not on the Seine, not in Paris, but on the Spree, in Berlin-Charlottenburg. With his restaurant „ Le Consulat „. It seems to be a splendid success story, as even on a Wednesday evening his restaurant turned out to be very well frequented.
The owner himself comes from Sri Lanka. Because of the civil war, the trained restaurant specialist came to Berlin with his parents at the age of nine. In addition to „Le Consulat“, he also runs other restaurants in Berlin, including „Nu“ and „Mr. Chai Wala“. He was inspired above all by his former boss, Borchardt operator Roland Mary. This probably also explains his careful selection of food and drinks.
The menu is clearly laid out, which is always a good sign. It indicates quality, fresh ingredients, skillfully prepared. Incidentally, Jens Schäfer is at the stove, the chef with German and French roots has already worked at institutions such as „Diekmanns“ in Berlin. The drinks menu includes an impressive selection of French and German wines, draught and bottled beers and spirits, as well as several types of champagne. There are also excellent cocktails.
Like the Cosmopolitan. Professionally mixed. Vodka, cranberry, Cointreau and lime have been skillfully balanced. Those who like it drier should go for the signature drink, appropriately named „Consulat Classic“. The ingredients: Crémant, bitters, cognac. Tart, but also lively and sparkling.
Both really successful appetizers and therefore a great start to the courses to come. Off we go with a beef tartare that leaves nothing to be desired. It is accompanied by quail eggs, shallots, cornichons, capers and truffles. The eggs in particular are lovingly draped on the beef, making it difficult to destroy this little work of art. But the fork ploughs mercilessly through the meat, mixing it with all the ingredients. A good decision in hindsight. The eggs provide a certain velvety texture, the capers and truffles give the whole thing a spicy note, while the shallots and gherkins add a crunchy freshness. A really above-average beef tartare.
The duck liver terrine is also of high quality. With parsley root, sherry, parsley and truffle. Frisée gives the dish a delicate bitterness, while cherry provides a slightly fruity note. A perfect interplay of contrasting flavors.
The beef tartare in particular was the reason to opt for meat again for the main course. An entrecote of beef, rare, cooked to perfection. With thyme. Served with chips. The meat impresses with its wonderful taste. But the fish dishes are also worthy of note and taste. So is the turbot, accompanied by chard, almond foam and Jerusalem artichokes. The fish was impeccably prepared and the meat is pleasantly firm.
Accompanied by a red wine. As well as steak and the like, it now also goes well with the inhabitants of the sea. The choice falls on an Altera Merlot from the Maison Schröder and Schyler winery. Fruity, velvety, fresh. With notes of plum, raspberry and clove.
To finish, crêpes suzette. Thanks to the excellent Grand Marnier parfait, this French classic is truly not an off-the-peg dessert. The crème brûlée with bourbon vanilla and wild berries is more conventional, but just as excellent.
The service is as unobtrusive as it is attentive. And you feel at home in other ways too. The extremely spacious rooms impress with their extraordinary design. Green walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, festively decorated tables with plenty of space. Stylish, but also casual.
French elegance meets West Berlin charm. With a hint of Austria? After all, the Wiener Schnitzel is at the top of the menu among the otherwise very Gallic main courses. The owner is quick to explain: „Our regulars want it that way“.
Le Consulat
Address: Leibnizstraße 46, 10629 Berlin
Contact: Phone: 030 28645269 , Email: reservierung@le-consulat.de
Web: le-consulat.de
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