La Bonne Table

When I last had a business trip to the area, my old boss told me I should treat myself to a pricey dinner at La Bonne Table.

“So it’s good?”

“Yes. If you like seafood. Oh, and do say hello to the waitress for me.”

Well, I love seafood, and I love expensed meals, so I made my way there, walking through what look like the doors you’d find on an old boat, into a dining room with a very nautical theme. Alongside more decor reminiscent of an old seafaring ship, the dining room is also anachronistically decorated with modern materials that might be more comfortable on an ultra-luxury yacht.

The mélange of mismatched nautical decor screams “boat freak” more than “restauranteur,” but the management’s time at sea shows in the great quality of their seafood.

Openers include the fantastic langoustine/foie gras terrine, and for a seasonal main, you can’t go wrong with the scallops - gigantic and delicious, justifying the regional ban on collecting these shells when they’re not in season.

And while my boss and I may disagree on taste in women (he thinks Nicole Kidman is ugly and has a big head, I think she’s the hotness) we find common ground in thinking that the lovely, friendly, and elegant hostess/waitress at La Bonne Table is one of the most enchanting women in Clichy.

Ok, that may not be saying much, but the food and service here are worth your time. The décor, ummm… well, I hope you like boats!

Update 13 Jan 2009

After a recent visit, it seems La Bonne Table has updated its décor. While I miss the old-timey charm of the nautical elements that made me want to sing a shanty and swab the deck, the more modern interior is more inline with the somewhat upmarket menu prices. Food and service are as great as ever.