La Passagère - Hôtel Belles Rives
"The first thing to strike guests in this hotel, where Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald played out their tumultuous romance in the 1920s, is its jaw-dropping location. It’s not easy for a chef to leave his stamp in such a venue, yet chef Aurélien Véquaud does just that. In a high-flying menu throbbing with Mediterranean flavours (such as little tunny, semi-baked tomato and roquette dressing), the chef’s Vendée origins shine through in each plate. Unpasteurised cream jazzes up the chef’s signature dish of raviole of crab, Platine caviar and a foamy verbena mousse while iconic regional specialties from Vendée (préfou and mouclade) are given a new spin and served as appetisers. Let’s not forget the truly heroic desserts by pastry wizard, Steve Moracchini, who conjures up exquisitely delicate delights, such as a delectable Mirabelle plum tartlet. The restaurant’s terrace commands a breathtaking view of the sea and the Esterel mountains." - Michelin Inspector
