One great French culinary institution meets another.
Maille mustard is the mustard gold standard, if there is such a thing. I know, I’m supposed to prefer that yellow English mustard that only really goes with ham and beef. But I don’t. I prefer Maille and all its weird and wonderful combinations of flavours – mustard with mango and Thai spices anyone? Or how about one with blue cheese and white wine? Sounds weird, but it works.
Another slightly odd combination from Maille is their new mustard macarons made in collaboration with Coq d’Argent. Yeah, that’s right, angry old mustard in your delicate little French delights. But it works. Apparently the idea was conceived when the Head Chef at Coq d’Argent was having a snifter of something with one of the guys over at Maille, discussing how the two could innovate their offerings and work together. With a bit of trial and error, they nailed it.
The macarons don’t taste overwhelmingly of mustard. Their ganache has a white chocolate and lemon base, with mustard adding a bit of pep. The shells contain mustard seeds too, completing the flavour profile. The overall combination is a sort of semi-sweet, lemony taste with a spicy kick. They are a light way to finish a meal, and incidentally go marvellously with champagne – surely not a coincidence when two French culinary institutions are involved.
The macarons are available to purchase from Maille (there’s a shop on the Piccadilly Arcade near Fortnums) for £5.50 a box, and they are also on the menu at Coq d’Argent for a limited time as a continuation of the Fete de la Gastronomie.
Coq d’Argent
City favourite, Coq d’Argent has long been a go-to restaurant for finance types to book for after work. Don’t let that put you off though, the crowd is smart and dignified and the restaurant serves classic but sophisticated French cuisine. In winter, the main dining room has wood lined walls and deep comfy green leather chairs, warmer and cosier than you’d expect from the location. But it’s in summer that the place really comes alive thanks to their fabulous rooftop, grass lined terrace. Many an Instagram shot of cuddling couples has been taken here with the London skyline twinkling in the background.
If your other half works in the City, Coq d’Argent should be on the rotation list of date night ideas.
Maille
Founded in 1747, Maille is a gourmet mustard producer that once served the kings of France. Known for their creamy Dijon mustards, the brand now manufactures over 50 different varieties, continuously producing exciting new flavour combinations. There are seven La Maison Maille boutiques worldwide, one of which is in London. They offer mustards, vinegars, and other gourmet ingredients that’ll lift a boring ploughman’s into a taste sensation.