A Culinary Tour of Provence
"Seeing Stars - Michelin Stars that is..."
We have been here in Nice since May 2004 and have had the opportunity to dine at several Michelin starred restaurants and some without any stars (but in our opinion deserve to be listed) before our little baby girl arrived on 5 July 2004. We've just recently resumed our market surveys of the "cannot miss" restaurants and here's what we liked and disliked about them. Will be trying out some more so will add feedback as and when we do. Share our culianary journey into some of the best of Provencal cuisine.
"One & Two Michelin Stars...."
The 2 Michelin starred restaurants we've been to so far are Bastide Saint Antoine by Jacques Chibois in Grasse and Chev're D'Or in the Village of Eze. The Bastide was one of the best we've tried so far, the food, service and ambience were all excellent. The set lunch menus were value for money at 59 Euro each and we could understand why the terrace was packed full for lunch on a weekday. The Chev're D'Or was more pricy with set lunch at 79 Euro, I guess we were also paying extra for the view of the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean sea below us. Unfortunately, the restaurant did not have a terrace but sitting by the almost full glass wall did make up for not having the breezy in your face....it was a sunny day so the airconditioning was welcome though. The food and service were also excellent, the presentation and decoration of the food and desserts were more delicate and intricate than any of the rest so far.
The two 1 star Michelin restaurants that we tried were Moulin de Mougins by Alain Lorca and Le Castellaras by Alain Carro.
The food at Moulin de Mougin lived up to their 1 star status however the dessert was very disappointing. The offering was mediocre and presentation was boring. The service was also a bit slow and unattentive for a Michelin restaurant. The set menu pricing and what we got was ok, not quite value for money though. The outdoor setting did help to save the day, we had a table under olive trees and it was a beautiful day, blue skies that is typical of Provencal summer days.
Le Castellaras came across better, the food was good, desserts were also visually appealing and tasted as good as they looked. Service was casual but attentive. The outdoor setting of a breezy garden, sitting under a huge shady tree with the sunlight filtering through the branches and leaves certainly added to the overall dining experience, definately a place to return to. And not forgetting the heated swimming pool that guests can take a dip in or just bask on the deck chairs alongside.
"This restaurant deserves a star"
One of the most impressive restaurants so far was Les Templiers in Vence. We have been there twice and have been very pleased with what we got each time. The set lunch menu of 39 and 49 Euro were truly value for money. The food was delicious, desserts were temptingly yummy and the service was attentive and professional. Unfortunately, for some reason this restaurant has not been accorded with any stars.....as yet.
place des Mûriers
Mougins Village
