The restaurant at La Plaine St. André is housed in the main building of a heritage site that was originally
established as a planter’s homestead over 200 years ago. An opportunity to dine
amidst this pristinely preserved piece of living history is an honour in
itself, even before you have even put the first bite of La Plaine St. Andre’s
delicious cuisine to your lips.
The Trois Freres Distillery - the source of
Takamaka Bay branded
rum and vodkas - is also housed on the property. This blending of fine locally influenced cuisine and award winning
spirits, which is set amidst the lush gardens and seeped in national history, makes for a unique and novel experience.
rum and vodkas - is also housed on the property. This blending of fine locally influenced cuisine and award winning
spirits, which is set amidst the lush gardens and seeped in national history, makes for a unique and novel experience.
The restaurant and bar are set in the
beautifully preserved original plantation house, sprawling out onto the
encompassing veranda and into the beautiful garden. Stepping inside is like
stepping back in time; diners are afforded the opportunity to relax and unwind
in a living museum that is breathtaking in its aesthetics and atmosphere.
Whether you prefer a veranda for a sit down meal, sipping a rum on the comfy
leather sofa’s as you share a moment with a friend, or enjoying sitting beneath
the swaying leaves of an ancient tree in the courtyard, you are sure to find a
spot that feels like it was made specifically for you!
The food is a fusion of local and fine
dining cuisine, which sees a welcome degree of refinement to a menu heavily
influenced by the traditional Creole favourites – a formula that compliments
the setting perfectly!
Suggested
Menu: What we had
 |
| La Plaine St. Andre's sushi platter |
STARTERS: If you are visiting the
restaurant on the first Friday of the month, you will be visiting on “Sushi
Night.” The Sushi platter is served with a delicious mushroom soup starter and
a complimentary Saki taster. If sharing for two, the Sushi platter makes for a
great starter. If you are not partial to Sushi, though, or visiting any other
night, the Tempura Prawns are a delicious and light option. Another tasty
starter to whet the appetite is the Tuna Tartar – a tender diced tuna loin
served with a zesty flavouring.
COCKTAILS: The Beached Mojito is a winner. This tropical twist on the traditional Mojito
will leave you thirsty for more.
MAINS: the Octopus Coconut Curry is a
refreshing rendition of this Creole favourite, and the fine-dining twist to the
flavour will not disappoint. My partner had the Roast Vegetable and Octopus
Salad, of which I had a taste and can attest that it is tasty and fresh option
for anyone in the mood for a salad or something light as a main dish.
DESSERT:
After all the above, neither of us were up to dessert, as much as we wished we
were. The Banana and Ginger Crumble Tart and the Chocolate Fondant are two of
the many reasons we will be back at La Plaine St. André again soon; their presentation and look is so good that we had to
try them.
ENTERTAINMENT: This article would not be
complete without mentioning the musical entertainment that added an extra
special touch. The three piece roving band completed the magical atmosphere
with their soulful melodies of guitar, drum and saxophone.
NIGHT CAP: No visit to the home of Takamaka
Bay will be complete without taking up the restaurants offer of a rum tasting.
For a very reasonable fee, you will be taken through the full range of their
rum and vodka products, guided by one of the very knowledgeable bartenders. I
recommend the rum tasting, as only by trying each one will you fine tune the
distinction between them and find the Takamaka Bay product which is perfect for
you.
La Plaine St, André is a great night out, whether you are treating that special someone
to a romantic meal or just looking for a great place to unwind and have a drink
(Happy hours are every Friday between 17:30 and 22:30). The restaurant offers
something special to visitors and nowhere else can you enjoy great food, fine
drink and a truly Seychelles’ experience – both past and present - all in one unique package.
{ This article, by Niki Gower, was originally published (in part) in the TODAY in Seychelles Newspaper on the 14.12.2012 (www.today.sc), and also appears on the travel blog www.seychellesliving.com. All photos copyright www.nikigowerphoto.com email: niki@silverspoonmedia.biz }
{ This article, by Niki Gower, was originally published (in part) in the TODAY in Seychelles Newspaper on the 14.12.2012 (www.today.sc), and also appears on the travel blog www.seychellesliving.com. All photos copyright www.nikigowerphoto.com email: niki@silverspoonmedia.biz }
