Founded in 1973, this French restaurant is a must try when visiting Port Vila in Vanuatu. Older then the country itself, features a lounge area, smoking and non smoking seating – sizable there is plenty of space to spread out. Owner, Clement Martinez (came to Vanuatu in 1969) is an affable character who likes to circle among the patrons taking time to visit with guests.
Known for their fruit bat, otherwise known as the flying fox. This dish can take some time to prepare, after 45 minutes or an hour, Clement may come forth and say something like, “good news, we have finally caught a fruit bat for you and your meal is currently being prepared”. Very French in style, cooked in a thick red wine based sauce along with the animal’s own guts.
Don’t expect a small bat, fruit bats are sizable with plenty of meat and lots of odd looking bones to keep you on your toes as you dig through this delicacy. Gamey but very soft meat. Other popular dishes include the onion soup, wild pigeon and lobster – also steak and other seafood options. After you are finished with your meal cleanse your palate with the memorable lime sorbet liberally soaked in vodka.
And the restaurant is of historical significance, it is where Vanuatu’s Constitution was first drafted in 1979.
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