Le Fournil was a delight. It was a welcome return to a more classic tradition of French cooking,…read moreand balanced out our recent meals at places like Frenchie and Chateaubriand, in Paris. We were looking for a more accurate, traditional portrayal of French cooking, and this restaurant was simply perfect for that special meal out in the Luberon. We were stationed in Buoux, our new favorite place in the world, and ventured throughout the plateau routes to find Bonnieux's charming cliffside village, and this smart establishment, engineered into the ancient caves at the base of the city. A romantic, intimate setting, it still offered a slightly modern panache with their tables and design. It was a wonderful juxtaposition to the interiors. Our server was adorable, a welcoming, genuine, and warm gentleman. Obviously empathetic and in tune with our experience, he enhanced an already enjoyable meal - his recommendations and advice were honest, refreshing, and welcome. We started with an apertif, and moved into the menu.... It was 44.50euro w/o a cheese course, and 49euro w/ cheese. My wife got the former, and ordered the latter, so we just shared the course, and enjoyed the longer meal.
We chatted with the owner about appropriate wines for our meal, and we had a lively discussion about my choice vs. a couple others, what each meant, how he knew the wineries, etc. It was appreciated, and he led us to a more appropriate bottle at a lesser price. Truly a restaurateur, who simply wants the meal to be perfect, regardless of potential upselling.
3 courses:
I had roule de lapin (rabbit medallions) with peppered artichoke heart and beet vinaigrette, my wife had warm asparagus with morel with pearls and chicken stock reduction
I had the wok roasted porc bigorre with the pea "sauce" (like a flavorful gazpacho - this meal was insane), wife had young goat fired two ways with the arab quinoa & stewed fruits.
The cheese plate is a blur. It was brilliant layed out in a spiral, each cheese meant to be eaten prior to the following cheese. It worked your palette up, paired with the wine, and led us to our digestif and dessert.
I got the creme brulee a la menthe fraiche, which was superb. My wife got the chocolat du moment... it was simply divine. In fact, switch that, but we shared both, so it doesn't matter. Both desserts were exceptional. We finished with a Sauternes and port, and the coffee simply made the meal. I wish life relegated us into this position more often... to eat like this, to be taken care of like this... is a rare and exceptional gift.
Whether you are in Bonnieux and have time for lunch, or want to make a special night out in Provence, Le Fournil will provide a satiated palette and memories for decades. I love writing reviews for this precise reason...I am taken back to the moment. I remember walking out thinking they did food better than some of the best in Paris. I still stand by it... and can't wait to go back.
