La Colombe d'Or Restaurant South of France
Best food in luxury surroundings Saint Paul de Vence
Dec 17, 2008
If a man takes you to dine at La Colombe d'OR you can be sure that his intentions are not platonic.The atmosphere of the restaurant is at it's most intimate in the evening.The wonderful Leger ceramic mural is the focus point and the ingenious olive oil filters which look like woven baskets fixed on the ramparts of the terrace reflect the light so flatteringly on a woman’s face acting as a kind of benign botox.
Favourite Dishes Always on the Menu
The famous menu composed by the late Paul Roux remains stoically unchanged. How many times have the trays of hors-d’oevres, grilled olive-oil coated green peppers, onions preserved, stuffed vegetable, Provencal tomatoes, beans, anchovies, aubergines and other delights of the region been served to the faithful diners grateful that culinary history repeats itself throughout the decades. Another favourite starter is the refreshing sweet and tender melon served with Parma ham or figs.
For the main course grilled Dourade served with olive oil sauce marinated with the local provencal herbs and tomatoes or the succulent roast chicken and delicate chipolatas with dauphinoise potatoes and crisp buttery haricot vert or maybe the succulent carre d’agneau wih gratine potatoes and vegetables all prepared to perfection.
Although the wine list is extensive the restaurant is proud to serve their own label from the Provence region, red, white and rose. For pudding those who are not on a regime might like to try their renowned Soufflé flambé au Grand-Marnier arriving like a towering inferno at the table. Or there is the delicate, fragrant fraises du bois or chocolate mousse cake or maybe a sorbet followed by coffee, fine rolled chocolate cigarettes and La Colombe’s own digestif.
A special menu is prepared each day which differs from the a la carte but that too is rotated with a surety that no dish will become extinct.
Surrounded by Works of Art
You are always in good company. The ghosts of Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Miro, Calder, Max Cartier, Brach, Prevert, Signoret, Yves Montand and many other eternal spirits of the arts have left their legacies, whether in painting , sculpture or poetic testaments to this unique homage to Modern Art.
The chef Herve Roy has been in residence for fifteen years. Have things changed? Not really. It is still the same crew, nobody can bare to leave. Laurent and Philippe the Head Waiters and the graceful well trained staff continue the tradition of excellent service. Francois Roux ever present helms this unsinkable ship guarding it’s traditions with his wife Daniele at his side and Pitou Roux his sister, a talented artist creates the beautiful bouquets that adorn the restaurant fresh each day. In the little grilled reception more often than not soigné Jackie sits choreographing the restaurant reservations and looking after the guests of the hotel.
Like Colette, who in the visitors’ book wrote the words: “Wait for me, Colombe, I’m coming back!” Ditto.
Average price per person is 80 Euros including house wine
- La Colombe d’Or Place de Gaulle. St Paul de Vence
- Tel : 33 49 33 28 002
- Fax: 33 49 33 27 788
For another great eating experience in the South of France why not try La Petite Maison in Nice.
