LVER Chulan & LDG Bangsar

In which we return to La Vie En Rose @ Raja Chulan for more French savories & head also to Les Deux Garcons @ Bangsar for French sweets.

Earlier entry on LVER: November 14.

La Vie En Rose's long list of starters is suffused with seductive creations, such as salmon pate topped with Champagne jelly & red berries (RM26++). A pairing of opposites can work wonders; here, the jelly supplies a supple lightness to pierce through the salmon's cloying mushiness.

Foie gras mousse (RM28++). The most sinful spread of all; break the caramelized top of this creme brulee-like mousse & slather some on the brioche. Buttery, savory bliss.

Mama Paulette's gratinated French onion soup with AOC Abondance cheese & sourdough bread (RM26++). Credited to Chef Jean Michel Fraisse's mother, this feels like rustic, home-cooked comfort food, nourishing for both body & soul. Any family would be blessed to be fed this.

For a sweet finish, try the Peach Melba (RM22++); this chilled confection was concocted in Europe 120 years ago, but it's perfect for muggy Malaysian nights.

Profiteroles with chocolate & caramel sauce (RM22++). As good as it looks.

Can't get enough of French desserts? Sugar specialists Les Deux Garcons have launched a new branch in Bangsar, selling their much-coveted range of cakes & macarons.

Truffle macarons might be Les Deux Garcons' trademark, imbued with an unearthly earthiness. Don't eat them immediately after buying; the thick ganache needs a couple of hours out of the chiller before it turns soft enough to fully savor.

Other varieties include Earl Grey, wasabi, sesame, caramel, mango, cassis, rose, pistachio, raspberry & dark choc. Creamier than expected (some might prefer it like this, others won't), but prices are similar enough to most top-flight macarons in KL.

Macaron haters, try the truffle-rific "Le Palladio" (RM22) _ a crisp almond tart layered with joconde sponge cake, vanilla ganache & white truffle mascarpone. Amid this Alba truffle season, here's one way to get our fix without breaking the bank.

Le Duchesse (RM14). For the closeted tea lover in us: Earl Grey biscuit, luxuriously topped with the silkiest Earl Grey mousseline & milk chocolate ganache.