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Akaroa
Reviewed by Diana
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Date/Time:
Saturday 21st October 6.00pm
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Restaurant:
C’est la Vie au Bout du Monde
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Booking:
ph 03 304 7314
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Where
to Find:
33 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
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Parking:
In one of the sidestreets nearby
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Service:
Brilliant, personal, knowledgeable, and warm
Presentation:
Perfect, run by a French couple, this tiny restaurant has to have
two sittings of dinner – one at 6 and one at 9 pm – to fit everyone
in. The combination of the freshest ingredients and classical French
cuisine, executed with great care and style, are without compare
to date for me in Australasia. No wonder a neighbouring couple were
photographing their meal! We started with scallops with a mushroom
risotto in a pernod cream sauce (light, delicate, flavourful and
perfect), and the incredibly rich and delicious duck liver pate
with a crisp apple salad and homemade bread. For
our main courses we chose the fillet San Marino and the duck a l’orange.
The brandied chocolate mousse was an orgasmically good finishing
note.
Wine List:
Excellent, with some refreshingly unusual offerings.The Kaituna
Valley Canterbury Pinot Gris. The quince jelly, spice and pear on
the nose and the elegant oiliness of the wine complemented the entrees
beautifully with a bottle of the E. Guigal Cote de Rhones 2003 to
accompany the main course. The chewiness and black fruits of the
wine made a great foil for the depth of flavor and texture of the
wonderful duck and supreme steak.
Value for Money:
Under $60 pp for a glorious 3 course
meal – worth every cent.
Ambience:
Delightful. Relaxed and funky,
but very chic.
The feel
good factor:
When I told my foodie sister
I was planning a weekend in Akaroa she said, “Well there’s only
one place you should eat …” – and she was dead right. Akaroa is
blessed with some great restaurants but this one is very, very special.
Dining with Magdalena and Charles is a treat and a delight.
In our opinion
the best.
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