Wow. This place... This place reminded me that with the right ingredients and a bit of skill, food is transformed into magic.
If you ever find yourself anywhere near Villefranche-sur-mer you must give La Mère Germaine a try. I called to reserve a table but they said they were fully booked (obviously.) So with the utmost disregard we headed there anyway. Boy am I glad we did! Tip: they have a valet service. Villefranche is a hilly town. If you park anywhere above the port you're gonna climb back up there post meal. It's great cardio but you're on vacation so why bother.
The Lobster Salad. I mean. Let me tell you. This dish defines freshness. It's as simple as a dish can ever get. But the magic is when everything on the plate sings on your palate. This dish will for ever live on in my memory as the sweetest song my taste buds have ever heard. Every element on the plate made sense. From the lobster, to the mesclun greens, to the grapefruit, to the (ever so light) balsamic dressing. A cohesive dish is a successful dish. A++++
In random order our table also ordered: Prawn Curry, Sole Meunière, and the daily special; John Dory and 2 scallops with squid ink pasta.
The desserts were outstanding as well. We had the creme brûlée; (nature, chocolat, café) and the gateaux au chocolat. The praline feuilletine base was extraordinarily delicious. It added the perfect crunchy balance to the creamy mousiness of the chocolate. Superb!
This historic restaurant has been doing just fine since 1938. They know what they're doing. And that's fresh fresh fresh food!
P.S I read that their bouillabaisse is quite good.
7 Quai Amiral Courbet, 06230
Villefranche-sur-mer, France
T: +33 (0)493017139
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