Last lunch before the second COVID-19 quarantine in France. La flibuste is a Michelin star 2019 newcomer at the Villeneuve-Loubet’s marina « baie des anges » between Antibes and Nice. The restaurant is behind the considerable building looking like a boat from the sky. Consider to park the car at the Eric Tabarly boulevard parking or request for the car valet service since it is difficult to find a place from spring to winter.
The decor is as clean as a hair salon, music is acceptable. The service is professional, respectful and operated by the sons of the pleasant owner. The pillars of the cuisine escapade are french products and originate from local farms like ris-de-veau, foie gras, oysters and snails with a touch of modernity. The cheffe Eugénie Béziat suggest a-la-carte or surprise menu from three to six services. The surprise menu could include any suitable course from the a-la-carte list.
The dinner start with a mackerel amuse-bouche to introduce two starters, two main courses and two desserts by Pascal Picasse. Compliment goes to the oyster from Tamaris bay cooked in two styles: grilled and tartare. The oyster belong to the fire theme among the three other like earth, air and water which drives the flibuste dining experience. It is near the ekstedt grilling style in a slight way. The superbly cooked red mullet in his carrot forest that recalls the autumn with well round textures, balance and a temperature under control is splendid.
Did you know?
The red mullet was also named the shoe mullet in ancient Rome half a century after Christ by Pliny the elder, an Italian gastronomy expert. He said the fish that tastes likes an oyster was the same color as the patricians shoes who were considered the high society at this time of history.
There is some competition to nominate the best red mullet either at la flibuste or at flaveur** in Nice. The dessert looks promising plus familiar. Indeed, Pascal comes from Le Park45, a one star Michelin restaurant now closed at grand hotel in Cannes. Honestly one of the best pastry chef operating in the french riviera. The apple dessert with aneth and coriander is beyond all praise with the right notes of acidity.
La Flibuste Martin’s is a good lunch address worth the stop on the french riviera.
| Address: 1001 Avenue de la Batterie, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet Telephone: +33 4 93 20 59 02 Website: https://www.restaurantlaflibuste.fr |