Assa

Anthony and Fumiko Maubert have set up shop in the heart of Blois, while awaiting the refurbishment of their establishment on the banks of the Loire. For a long time, Anthony worked alongside Arnaud Donckele (La Vague d'Or), while Fumiko has a twin vocation of nutritionist and pastry chef - her creations stand out for their delicacy and low added sugar. Every morning (“assa” in Japanese), the couple devises the daily menu together, drawing on produce of impeccable quality and numerous Japanese seasonings and ingredients. Sansho berries, wild yuzu, nori seaweed broth, matcha tea and azuki red bean paste are harmoniously combined with ingredients that are painstakingly sourced from local (less than 20 minutes away) producers (among whom Masato Fujisaki, who grows Asian veggies and has been a partner of the restaurant for many a year).