Lunch At Ma Maison With Chef Jacky Robert

As noted in our previous post, we recently had an invite from Chef Jacky Robert of Ma Maison in Beacon Hill for a fun-filled cooking lesson.  Well, that was followed by, of course, a great lunch.  The table was set elegantly in what is a small restaurant that feels so authentically French.  It's so refreshing when you walk into a place that isn't plastered with flat screen TVs and the music so loud that it prevents conversation.  What is dining out without the laughs and conversation, anyway?  Boring.

 

It was three simple courses but executed so beautifully that it was hard to find fault with anything.  I began with the Lobster Bisque, one of my favorite dishes.  I can honestly say that this was, hands down, the best lobster bisque I have ever had.  The typical complaint is the scant amount of lobster.  Not here.  There were large chunks of claw meat throughout and the delicate lobster flavor was not drowned in a buttery rich liquid.  You could taste the hint of the sea in every spoonful.  Seriously, THE best.  I will be back, likely more than once, just for this dish.  Fantastic.

Next, I chose the Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Crabmeat and Sautéed Spinach.  Just look at how perfectly done those scallops are, a beautiful golden, barely crisp caramel out the outside and opaque, almost creamy, inside.  The flavors and seasonings were delicious and the presentation just gorgeous.  Another hit.

Peach Crème Brulee.  Top quality ingredients well-executed once again.  The peach flavor was surprisingly bolder than I expected and the brulee was obviously in the hands of a true professional.  Again, flawless.

All of this was washed down with an impressive rosé Domaine Pey Blanc, a French import, which I have never tried before.  I recommend you check it out this summer.

The stretch of Cambridge Street across from MGH is often thought of as a culinary dead zone with a few shining stars and not much else really worthy.  Ma Maison is worth a visit and a stellar idea for a weekend lunch where, in true French fashion, food is a work of art.

Ma Maison
272 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA  02114
Telephone:  617.725.8855

Socials:
@mamaisonboston
@thebostonfoodie

Cooking At Ma Maison

We were recently invited to a cooking class at Ma Maison, the beautiful, classic little French restaurant in the Back Bay helmed by Chef Jacky Robert.  I've been a fan of his for years.  Robert's dedication to simple, delicious food and classic technique is legendary.  The fact that he has no interest at all in celebrity chef status is both refreshing and admirable.

We settled in and were immediately served fresh croissants and champagne.  Today we'd be making a chocolate soufflé.  Chef Robert often hosts these cooking classes, after which one is served lunch, to raise money for his favorite cause:  On Board For Kids.  The association organizes fundraising events to help children in need around the world.  We are happy to help spread the word.

For now, however, it's time to get to work.  Most of the attendees, including the food writers like myself, have never actually made a soufflé before.  I was both curious and concerned about the odds that mine would be a flop.

Blogger Elissa Garza of StyleWire was a few seats away and taking directions quite seriously.  Chef had us whipping and folding like pros. 

Once the mix was ready we buttered and sugar coated our ramekins, ready to be filled and baked.

 

While we enjoyed lunch (more on that in our next post) the soufflés baked and were then presented.  I felt like I was a guest on a French version of The Great British Baking Show. 

And while I did not take home the top prize I did quite a respectable job.  At least my soufflé did not collapse. 

On Board For Kids will be holding a sunset cruise on Saturday, September 23, which will be here before you know it.  There will be gourmet food, glorious views and lots of fun while you support a cause that can truly change the lives of young children.  You can learn more and purchase tickets here.