Tonight was one of our special dinners out for this trip. We went to L’Arôme, a restaurant in Bonnieux that just opened this spring. Charley and I ate there in May and really, really liked it. It's special. There was actually something on the menu that we thought Kelly would like too. We called our new Slow Travel friends Doug and Carol and invited them to join us. Doug and Charley didn't wear their Tilley hats this time!
L’Arôme is located on a tiny, tiny street called the Rue Lucien Blanc, which stretches between the Rue Victor Hugo and the Place Gambetta. It is owned by a couple, Clara and Jean-Michel. Jean-Michel is the chef and Clara manages the service. We were attended by Clara, a woman (who may have been Clara's mother, and a young man. The service was attentive and helpful. We interacted in French, so I'm not sure about English... though I believe they may have English menus available.
Outside the L’Arôme
The setting is quite special-- built into the hillside in two adjoining caves of beautiful limestone. There are three intimate and very attractive dining rooms and two small terraces out on the street for outdoor dining. The kitchen is open to one of the dining rooms.
We were late in making a reservation and I think a party of five may also be too large for the outdoor tables. We ate inside, near the door. The environment really is beautiful with interesting light fixtures, original art, and attractive table settings. The restaurant was quite busy tonight, though the small back dining room wasn't in use. We were there about 2-1/2 hours. They are open for lunch and dinner.
We had aperitifs, which were served with tapenade and small toasted rounds. Carol, Charley and I all had the house aperitif, which was sweet and excellent. I really do enjoy the whole approach to an aperitif.
For our meals, Doug and Carol both ordered one of the menus, which offer a couple of courses and a few choices for each course. (There was a 28 euro menu and a 38 euro menu.) One thing that is a bit unusual about this restaurant (compared to the other better restaurants in Bonnieux) is that they also offer some number of a la carte items, which is what our family ordered.
Doug had a beautifully presented tomato entree, followed by a grilled fish called "bar," which I think is sea bass from the Mediterranean. The fish came head on, sliced open across the back and filled with some sort of stuffing. Doug said it was excellent.
Carol had a salmon dish to begin followed by "lapareau," which is a young rabbit. She ate every single bit of food on her plate.
I had the magret de canard (duck breast), just grilled and slice thin... simple and wonderful, with just a bit of balsamic vinegar. I really really like duck. I order it à point... medium rare.
Kelly and Charley both had filet de boeuf, "bien bien cuit." Sorry, yes, this is the way they like it. They were both very happy with their meals, though there was a bit of pink on Kelly's beef, and she shared that part with Charley and me.
The meal was served with warm bread... actually little rolls. Our table asked for another basket.
Doug and Carol treated us to the wine, and we had a Tavel rosé from the Côtes du Rhône... oh my, this was special. I loved it. We had two bottles. Thank you, thank you Doug and Carol!!!!!
We all had dessert. Charley and Kelly had a kind of red fruit mousse called a "bavrois." I took our server's recommendation and had a warm apple crumble with just a bit of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Doug and Carol had creme brulee.
A French couple-- quite stylish-- next to us ordered one of the house specialities: a "bar" for two people cooked in a salt crust which was brought out and served tableside. Clara brought several fish out to the people to choose from, and the one they selected was enormous.
And at another table, there were two French women, one of whom had a little lap dog with her... kind of a cartoon dog with a black shaved body and a shaggy head. Fortunately she didn't have the dog on her lap. This is the type of dog Kelly finds absolutely disgusting, and she kept wanting to look over at it and giggle. I had to actually say "Phantom!!" which is our family code word for "People Are Trying to Have a Nice Meal."
It was a wonderful evening of fine dining, and we were especially glad to share it with Doug and Carol. With three of us, we can't afford to do a meal like this often, but I'm really glad that we splurged tonight at L’Arôme. (And so sorry there aren't any photos! Next time!)
