BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A dazzling renaissance of French cuisine emerged last evening (June 18) with the official opening of La Belle Vie – the first French restaurant in St. Kitts, offering a fine and unique experience.
For some, the opening came as a breath of fresh air in the hospitality industry while, for others, it gave the opportunity to uncover the secrets of authentic French cuisine. The restaurant, located on Gulf View Drive (after the second roundabout) in Frigate Bay, has a small lawn inviting patrons into a cosy lobby, polished with an antique European décor. The room leads out to a stretched patio and flower garden which make the perfect spot for a moonlit French dinner.
The warm French greeting prepares you for three enticing menu offers: the choice of an appetizer or dessert and one main course for EC$78 (US$29); choice of one appetizer, choice of one main course and choice of one dessert for EC$97 (US$36); or a choice of one appetizer, choice of one main course, assortment of cheese and one choice of one dessert for EC$108 (US$40).
Start out with a dish of roasted escargots with garlic butter or try the Mediterranean salad of marinated salmon, tuna and tilapia. For the main course, an assortment of French dishes awaits you. Give your taste buds a challenge to choose a favourite from beef tenderloin in a red Bordeaux wine sauce, grilled steaklet of duck with peppercorn sauce or roasted rack of lamb in a light thyme sauce. For seafood lovers, the chef recommends his special roasted fresh salmon steak with a fresh basil sauce.
According to Co-owner Christophe Ludwig, when he arrived on the island in late January of this year, his aim was to expose the local population to French cuisine. He added that when he learnt the French had once inhabited the island, he thought that the opening of La Belle Vie may be a rebirth of French subculture in St. Kitts.
“I think the same standard of service and hospitality that we practice in France should be the same thing in St. Kitts. We mix the local ingredients with our French recipes to deliver a high-quality service. For the moment, the response has been good because many persons come here and they tell us that our cuisine is very different although we use the same produce like the other restaurants,” Ludwig told SKNVibes.
Within the last two months, the new French restaurant has been able to build a name for itself and has attracted a crowd of French food lovers, along with individuals who are willing to give the new taste a try. La Belle Vie makes its own bread and pastries and boasts a variety of wines and liquors.
Michel Lerousseau, Co-owner and Main Chef, told this media house that he is very pleased that the restaurant was able to take shape quickly with the help of a number of locals. He added that the opening has been long-awaited, but stated that it makes a good addition to the diversity of restaurants available on St. Kitts and would provide the opportunity to enhance the island’s tourism product.
“We wanted to have this grand opening for thanking all of the population and all of the people from St. Kitts who have helped us to make this dream true. We want to express to the government our gratitude for the possibility and the opportunity to open this restaurant. This is why we are giving low prices, good service and quality French authentic cuisine – all together gives La Belle Vie!” Lerousseau stated.
Lerousseau also informed that his restaurant would seek to work closely with the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) Division of Hospitality to give students a unique training experience.
So, give it a try! Opening hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; make your reservations by calling (869) 764 6035. Hasten your footsteps and enter a world that will awaken your senses and allow you to discover the ingredients to a beautiful life – La Belle Vie.
