As impressive as everyone makes it out to be, Maison Boulud certainly left an impression. The fact that they haven't taken up paid advertising yet and continues to seat a full house on weekdays, is a testament to their top quality of food, excellent service and perfect ambience.

Unlike most new restaurants who poach staff from 5 star hotels, General Manager Ignace Lecleir personally hired his team with little or no experience in the service industry. His training plan for the perfect team? The movie "Ratatouille".

We lost track of our dishes with a 10 course tasting menu complemented by wine pairings. Given their New York, London price ceilings, I worried. Fortunately, I didn't have to pay for it. Still, I worried because you would be cross at my bourgeoisie recommendation, but I had another bite of that fresh and robust Tuna dusted with spice served with aioli sauce - that had my worries all forgotten.

Parents would be pleased to know that the restaurant prepares special menus for the children. With high chairs and attentive, friendly wait staff to take care of the kids, you can enjoy your little bit of romance over dinner, where every dish betters the next.

Boulud could soon become an adjective; the Boulud dining experience is a wonderful addition to our dining scene and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who would like to indulge and give themselves a treat, if only for an evening.

I, for one, will definitely be returning for a treat, this time on my own modest pay cheque.