By: Frederick Taylor

Frederick Taylor — Thu, 01 May 2025 08:12:59 +0000

I first dined in L’Houstalet in 1976 with my French scientist colleagues (ORSTOM/IRD) and last time in 2023, alone. I think I had a nice chat with Clement that last time. A very pleasant and low-key guy who I hope is still going. At least in the earlier years, it was a place where we would go in a group of to 12 mostly French people and have a fine time with no pressure to finish and leave. The French people liked it because it was and remains so French and interesting in some way that I am not able to really characterize. Just the thing the French have that the rest of us do not..
There are enough dishes that are kind of unfamiliar to non-French that you have an opportunity to explore a bit. I seem to remember having les reins, flying fox, and, I think, maybe les tripes, which are excellent made the French way. I am not sure that you can find pigeon farci anywhere else in Vanuatu these days.
Anyhow I just want to strongly recommend L’Houstalet in honor of Clement and all the good memories of my friends who were there with me over the years.
Au revoir L’Houstalet.

Comments on: L’Houstalet, Port Villa Vanuatu – July 2023

By: Frederick Taylor