Read reviews of restaurants, events, activities and holiday villas or apartments in the villages, towns and cities of the French and Italian Rivieras.
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"L'Escalinada, suitably named due to its climbing terrace, is a definate must for any tourist interested in traditional French gourmet. Situated at the very back of the old town, this quaint and typically French restaurant serves some strange alternatives, yet curiously enticing dishes that will seldom fail to disappoint even the harshest critic.
As a resident of Vieux Nice, I find it difficult to break away from the uniform 'pizza-pasta' menu that is available in the majority of venues offered to the tourist in Nice. The Italian influence in the old town is undeniable, yet, l'Escalinada stands stoically by its' firm French roots, offering only a French menu while contradicting itself by offering a friendly and accommodating staff (the latter being a unique point in itself, especially within Nice).
The menu is predominantly meat-based, serving a surprising amount of red meat, rabbit and other heavy dishes. However, the vegetarian shall not be neglected, as most of the best meals on the menu are based on vegetables of the mediterranean variety, most notably, the fleurs de courgettes starters (also served as a main), a light yet very tasty introduction to what can be consumed as the experience continues. My personal choice of dish was rabbit served with a garlic and olive oil coating and the chef did not spare on the portion offered. My partner in crime chose veal with a heavy mushroom sauce, accompanied by tagliatelle and fresh warm bread. The dessert menu was recited to us by a very personable waiter, and I chose a strawberry tart that was light and deliciously summery.
And the food did not need to compensate for the small yet carefully chosen wine menu, which varied from light to medium white's and rose's to the heavier red's that fitted the beef dishes perfectly. The meal was also accompanied by apertifs and small nibbles to tempt the palette, aswell as subtle candle and flower arrangements so as to help the diner to relax and enjoy the soft atmosphere.
Overall, a very pleasurable experience that would satisfy any appetite. For me, the presence of genuine Nicois punters settled my questionning on whether it was definatly the real thing, or just a money-spinner to pull in the tourists. In short, a must-do if visiting Nice.
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Reviewed by: Francesca