What is Plateau de fruits de mer?

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Plateau de fruits de mer

Plateau de fruits de mer, which translates to a plate of fruits of the sea, is a traditional dish that consists of various kinds of seafood served on a platter, usually over crushed ice. Typical seafood used in this dish includes a variety of shellfish such as shrimps, mussels, lobsters, crabs, clams, and oysters that can either be cooked or raw.

Traditionally, the seafood is consumed chilled, and it is typically placed on a large serving platter that is covered with crushed ice and (optionally) seaweed to keep the food’s temperature low. Lemon wedges and various sauces, such as mignonette sauce, mustard sauce, and cocktail sauce usually accompany this seafood platter.

France

WHERE TO EAT The best Plateau de fruits de mer in the world (according to food experts)

Paris by Mouth and 5 other food critics.

"Whenever I see a big metal platter with a mound of crushed ice and a pile of oysters, clams, shrimp, langoustines and other precious shellfish, I imagine that I’m in Paris in the 1920s… my favorite place to enjoy this luxury – and is it ever a luxury (especially now with the dollar so weak) – is at Le Dome.”

John Whiting and 3 other food critics.

"We shared a plateau de fruits de mer which quivered with shellfish so fresh that they thought they were still tucked away on the seabed."

Time Out Paris and 4 other food critics.

"Incredible platters of fruits de mer."

Ian D'Agata and 2 other food critics.

"There’s no better way to begin a meal in a brasserie than with a plateau de fruits de mer, an assembly of crustaceans and shellfish usually served cold and on ice. La Coupole offers an array of different such choices. Our group opted for Le Royale Coupole, a bounty of sea water critters some of which I had never even seen before. It makes for fun if slightly messy eating, but the seafood is so fresh you don’t want it to finish."