Restaurant L’Empire, Kingdom of Gastronomy in Nice

Manager of the very popular Restaurant L’Empire in Nice, Julien Toselli makes us discover his new autumn menu, concocted with chef Nicolas Selow.

Located in the heart of the new Coulée Verte along the Boulevard Jean Jaures in Nice, since February 2015, the Restaurant L’Empire (formerly L’Univers, te restaurant of starred chef Christian Plumail) is a gourmet establishment with an innovative concept. At its head, the chef Julien Toselli, former student of the famous Paul Augier  Hotel School in Nice (many students from his Restauration section are today great chefs) offers throughout the year a delicious traditional and inventive cuisine, with accents of Mediterranean terroir.

Modern decoration and cuisine gourmande

Redecorated under the initiative of Julien Toselli, the establishment now offers a modern and refined decoration. The beautifully laid tables are well spaced and allow speech privacy, while abstract paintings give a contemporary tone to the whole. The nice and large terrace overlooking the green lung of the city of Nice allows customers to enjoy the shade or sun throughout the year, far from the stress and busy city life. With 4 entrées, 4 fish, 4 meat, 4 desserts, the Restaurant L’Empire fosters the freshness of the product and modifies its menu every two months, according to the new season.

Revisited gastronomy of terroir

This attractive gastronomic restaurant, the chef Julien Toselli revisits with expertise and authenticity the cuisine gourmande of our terroir. He is very good at carefully selecting the products to make a precise, simple and tasty cuisine. A native of our beautiful region, he cultivates the natural and simplicity, accompanied in this beautiful culinary adventure with the young and talented chef Nicolas Selow. This young chef graduated from the Nice Hotel School Paul Augier, winning many awards: departmental gold medal in the cooking contest, Best Apprentice of France “section hôtellerie” and finalist of the Best Apprentice of France. He gained experience with chefs Jacques Rolancy at “Les Viviers” in Nice and David Vaqué at Bistrot Gourmand in Nice. Together, they have concocted a beautiful and delicious autumn menu consisting of 4 starters, 4 dishes of fish, 4 meat dishes and 4 desserts, based on seasonal fresh produce.

Nicolas Selow & Julien Toselli

Autumn pleasures in the plate

The new autumn menu, concocted in the modern and spacious kitchen of Restaurant L’Empire is a delight for the eyes and taste buds. Upon arrival, the warm welcome of Julien Toselli and his team, the champagne accompanied with a delicious amuse-bouche: the Velouté of Zucchini and Mushroom, beautifully topped a by fragrant slice of Truffle, sprinkled with a hint Burgundy truffle oil. that makes immediately think that we will experience a very great moment of gastronomy.
Our excited palate feasted on Fried Prawns and Celery Risotto, accompanied by a subtle Citrus emulsion. After a brief respite, here comes the delicious Foie Gras with his Tile of Gingerbread on a variation of Mango, to melt with pleasure.
In the menu, fish had a place of honor with the Saint Pierre fillet confit with Badiane Oil: the Mediterranean, with iodine flavors and terroir! After this beautiful journey to the sea, we explore our beautiful forest in the countryside with the Filet Mignon of Deer and creamy Polenta, sautéed Mushrooms and Chestnuts.
This delicious meal was crowned with an assortment of desserts: Roasted Pineapple with Honey and Sichuan Pepper, Cacao tile with sorbet Coco, the Banana Macaron speculos and the Milk Chocolate & Praline Yule Log, heart of Meringue… wonders to be enjoyed without leaving a crumb.

Nicolas Selow

The wines accompanying dishes:

Semi-dry white wine, Domaine Vouvray, vintage 2012,
White Wine Domaine Dorfeuilles, vintage 2012,
White Wine Domaine Faury Condrieu, vintage 2012
Red wine Mercurey Domaine Hubert Garrey, 1er cru 2012

The Restaurant L’Empire offers a lunch menu including 1 appetizer, 1 dish of the day, 1 dessert, mignardises, at the price of 18,50 euros and a 6-dish Discovery Menu at 68 euros and icing on the cake, you can treat yourself to a Big Brunch at 19 euros. Julien Toselli also offers a great selection of wines ranging from 19 to 69 euros a bottle.

Restaurant L’Empire
54, boulevard Jean Jaurès – Nice
From Tuesday to Saturday – 12 h to 14 h and 19 h 30 to 22 h 00
Sunday 10 h 30 to 15 h 00
Reservations: 33 (0) 4 93 01 30 40

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