Daniel & Denise a Bouchon in Lyon

Despite the issues collecting our van from Lyon airport car rental (see previous post), we managed the drive to the hotel in good time. The underground hotel car parking nearly undid us. Our huge van could barely make it down the driveway slope let alone negotiating the tight angles at top and bottom. Once underground we were confronted with tiny garages and the only open spaces were already taken. I was frantically trying to reach reception upstairs and ask for assistance. Time was ticking. Eventually we handed over the van’s keys and reception organised a taxi to take us to the restaurant. I asked if they could also phone the restaurant to apologise for our late arrival and advise we were on our way.

Our taxi driver was great and he explained that he would need to drop us a short walk from our destination. Meanwhile my phone was ringing. It was the restaurant calling. They had not received the update from our hotel, and were calling to check if we were still coming. Eventually we arrived. Having travelled about 28 hours we were not at our most glamourous. Our host greeted us as we apologised profusely. She was calm. “you are here now” and showed us to our table.

The main dining area (this photo was taken at the end of the lunch service as we were the last guests to leave)

Our plan to visit Lyon had started with the desire to experience the local food scene. Lyon is known as the food capital of France. So what is authentically Lyonnaise food and where could we get it? I cast my research net out and on the recommendation of chef Gabriel Gaté, and my old school mate and long-term blogpost supporter, Michael G, we chose to visit Daniel & Denise bouchon restaurant. It seemed like it would be quite popular, so we decided to make a booking in advance. On reflection, making a booking for lunch on the day you arrive is not a great idea.

There are several locations of the Daniel & Denise and we chose Saint-Jean, located in the historic district of Vieux Lyon (old Lyon) close to Saint-Jean Cathedral on Rue Tramassac.

What is a bouchon, you ask? Originally, they were small inns where the city’s silk workers would eat a simple meal during the 17th and 18th centuries. The inns were designated by a picture of a bunch of twisted straw, called a bouchon. The word also means a cork for the mouth of a bottle. They cooks prepared simple traditional meals offering soup, salad, offal and fish.

Theo and Annaïg our wonderful hosts

Despite our very late arrival, our hosts, Theo and Annaïg, really looked after us from the moment we sat down. Annaïg was keen to take our full lunch order (due to the late hour), so we committed to ordering three courses commencing with the much deserved aperitifs. I hope you’re not too hungry as you read this post and follow our meal through Chris’ photos.

Kir Royale (crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and champagne) pour moi

La Canute Lyonnaise, local beer for Chris

For entree we both chose La Terrine de Foie gras de canard maison et son chutney aux fruits du moment

Homemade duck foie gras terrine with seasonal fruit chutney

Bottle of Savigny-les-Beaune Chardonnay to accompany our meal

For our main meal we both chose La Quenelle de brochet maison à La Lyonnaise, sauce Nantua

Homemade pike quenelle à La Lyonnaise with Nantua sauce (rich shellfish sauce)

Our quenelles were served with side dishes of fried potatoes and a baked macaroni. A very rich and filling meal.

Sign of a great meal

Our desserts arrived. La crème brûlée à la vanille Crème brûlée with vanilla for Chris, Le dessert du jour Chocolate mousse with Madeleine and espressos to finish.

A very happy customer. C'est moi et Theo.

We highly recommend you visit if you find yourself in Lyon. in addition to your meal, it is possible to purchase products. Their own cookbook, pâté, jam to name a few, are readily available. For further information here are the contact details.

Website: https://danieletdenise.fr/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephviolamof/

Grand merci Theo et Annaïg

Next time, we’ll explore more of Lyon. À bientôt!