Raymond Blanc’s “first great food experience”

Le Poker d’As in Besançon

During a weekend visit to Besançon in the Franch Comte region of France we enjoyed dinner at Le Poker d’As restaurant. Raymond Blanc said this was where he enjoyed his first great food experience in Besançon at the age of 14. As a longtime admirer of Raymond Blanc, I just had to try it!

Where did Raymond Blanc have dinner as a teenager?

I booked this restaurant, inspired by Raymond Blanc’s comments in an article in The Guardian that at the age of 14 having earned enough money by selling frogs, wild asparagus and mushrooms he was able to enjoy dinner at Poker d‘As. His first great food experience in Besançon and it was ours too!

The welcome was warm and friendly at Poker d’As and the interior décor was classic French with great carved wooden tables.

Fricassé of escargots and mushrooms with a jus corsé and small crabs de Gascogne

Dinner at Poker d’As

The atmosphere in the restaurant was calm and although the restaurant was full it was not crowded as the tables were well spaced, giving a feeling of intimacy for diners. This was a classic french dining experience. The restaurant offered 2 menus priced at 24,90 and 39,00 and an a la carte menu.

Poker d'As restaurant, Besancon
Poker d’As restaurant, Besancon

The food was very tasty and well presented. The attention to detail was really good with the classic serving of dishes.

I loved the traditional way of serving – the cheeses arrived on a trolley and were all described clearly and served. The Cancoillotte maison was superb! Cancoillotte is a local speciality cheese of the region. It’s worth a visit to this classic french restaurant in the old city of Besançon, but be sure to book, it’s popular. Maybe there are many people that want to enjoy Raymond Blanc’s…in his own words “first great food experience”

Read more about my wonderful weekend in Besançon here

Le Poker d’As
14 Square Saint-Amour,
25000 Besançon
Tel: 03 81 81 42 49
The restaurant is open from Tuesday – Saturday for lunch and dinner


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