There’s not much to say about Ti Corail that hasn’t already been said! Its vitality, charm, great food, & “food truck without wheels” ambiance are not eclipsed in the new season by anything of the past. Fresh & vibrant today, with new-season energy.
I started, after walking from Villa CEC to the beach, with a refreshing, cold tomato & watermelon soup (reminding me of a similar version offered at nearby Le Sereno). Of course, a Ti Punch found its way to me, as well! I asked Yann if the base for the soup were gazpacho, & he explained that it is different because the tomatoes had been peeled & cooked . . . making the product easier for digestion. When the liquid is totally cooled, cold watermelon is added. On the side was some “crunch” (a dry mix of a bit of flour, butter, parmesan, & finely chopped olives) that could be mixed with the soup (which I did). Delicious & a great cold starter after a warm walk in the sun.
My main course was a large portion (it’s offered in two sizes) of Vitello Tonnato, prepared a la tartare . . . served with an enormous side of delicious frites. In hindsight, I easily could have been satisfied by the smaller Veal Tonnato order (but, then, Wendy wouldn’t have had “leftovers” when I got back to the Villa!).
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I was so eager to plunge into an awesome looking (as it was in taste) chocolate mousse that I failed to get a photo of it! In talking with Yann about its dense, rich character, he explained that it — very interestingly — is dairy free . . . only eggs (fresh from St. Martin) & Santo Domingo chocolate with 70% cocoa. No cream or butter. If you’re a chocoholic — or even occasionally like chocolate — be sure to say at start of the meal that you would like an order set aside for you . . . it probably disappears faster than any other menu item.
In parting, Chef Extraordinaire Yann invited me into the kitchen for a photo of us with stalwart hostess Camille & new Sous Chef Valentin. (In doing so, Yann flattered me by saying that the only other guest to have been brought into his kitchen was the eminent Jean-George Vongerichten.)
Needless to say, a memorable afternoon with friends, brilliant beach dining, & an always exquisite setting.
I started, after walking from Villa CEC to the beach, with a refreshing, cold tomato & watermelon soup (reminding me of a similar version offered at nearby Le Sereno). Of course, a Ti Punch found its way to me, as well! I asked Yann if the base for the soup were gazpacho, & he explained that it is different because the tomatoes had been peeled & cooked . . . making the product easier for digestion. When the liquid is totally cooled, cold watermelon is added. On the side was some “crunch” (a dry mix of a bit of flour, butter, parmesan, & finely chopped olives) that could be mixed with the soup (which I did). Delicious & a great cold starter after a warm walk in the sun.
My main course was a large portion (it’s offered in two sizes) of Vitello Tonnato, prepared a la tartare . . . served with an enormous side of delicious frites. In hindsight, I easily could have been satisfied by the smaller Veal Tonnato order (but, then, Wendy wouldn’t have had “leftovers” when I got back to the Villa!).
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I was so eager to plunge into an awesome looking (as it was in taste) chocolate mousse that I failed to get a photo of it! In talking with Yann about its dense, rich character, he explained that it — very interestingly — is dairy free . . . only eggs (fresh from St. Martin) & Santo Domingo chocolate with 70% cocoa. No cream or butter. If you’re a chocoholic — or even occasionally like chocolate — be sure to say at start of the meal that you would like an order set aside for you . . . it probably disappears faster than any other menu item.
In parting, Chef Extraordinaire Yann invited me into the kitchen for a photo of us with stalwart hostess Camille & new Sous Chef Valentin. (In doing so, Yann flattered me by saying that the only other guest to have been brought into his kitchen was the eminent Jean-George Vongerichten.)
Needless to say, a memorable afternoon with friends, brilliant beach dining, & an always exquisite setting.
