That evening in Villefranche will stay with me for a long time. I had arrived earlier and managed to secure a perfect table right at the front, facing the sea. I thought my husband would join us in ten minutes… but ten minutes stretched into an hour.
What could have been a long and awkward wait turned out to be surprisingly pleasant, thanks to the kindness of the staff. The waiter never once pushed me to order a drink or something “just while waiting” — which, honestly, is so rare. Instead, he simply let me sit peacefully, watching the colors of the bay shift as the light softened. I felt looked after without being pressured, and that simple gesture set the tone for the whole evening.
When my husband finally arrived, dinner was worth every minute of waiting. I ordered spaghetti with clams, which was excellent — the flavors so fresh and perfectly balanced. In fact, I had clam spaghetti again the next day in another restaurant, and it only reminded me how much better last night’s dish had been. My husband chose a beautifully grilled sea bream, simple and delicious, and together we shared a warm, rich moelleux au chocolat for dessert.
It wasn’t just about the food — though the food was wonderful — but about the feeling of being cared for, unhurried, and able to enjoy the moment. With the bay of Villefranche sparkling in front of us, it was one of those dinners that leaves you smiling long after.
Alma Gout Mediterranee, 3 quai de l’Amiral Ponchardier , 06230 Villefranche-sur-mer
Celia So 2025 August
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