“La Cigale!” was the very first thing out of everyone’s mouths when I was compiling a Nantes to-do list. Everyone mentioned the celebrated brasserie with sparkles in their eyes. And I was instantly enamored by this powerhouse, Art Nouveau brasserie : the warm woodwork, the mosaic lobsters on the walls, the uniformed garçons and the overall theatrics of fine dining. I was easily tempted by the complete prix fixe menu at a cool 17 euros (cold zucchini and mascarpone soup, onglet, et crème brûlée). But my dining companion, also known as mon mari, ordered maquereaux marinés, marinated mackerel, off the menu. And I have been thinking of it ever since. And it looked a little something like this…
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