Ou Ravi Prouvençau

First course fine. Rabbit course tough, but tasty. Unfortunately, dessert so frozen hard that when I tried to put my fork it in, it basically jumped out of the plate and splashed orange purée all over my top. When the owner came to pick it up, I explained (truly we did not complain) about the dessert temperature and its outcome. Orange purée all over my shirt. But the owner’s response? The owner basically threw us out of the restaurant. She said “You can leave. Go back to your hotel.”

There are many good choices in Maussane-les-Alpilles and the surrounding towns but I was eager to try a traditional artichoke preparation so that broke the tie. The restaurant features a sheltered garden courtyard and an indoor dining room and I enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine. The artichoke “barigoule” was exceptional with the small pieces of ham adding flavor to the broth (which went well with the crusty bread) and the artichoke was perfectly simmered. Main course was rabbit in mustard sauce with herbs and a delicious side of cheesy pasta (no I am not calling it macaroni and cheese since it has no similarity to the American version). I skipped dessert in favor of a nearby creperie, so can’t review the whole experience but overall was very pleased with the meal, setting, and service. Highly recommended !

I don’t give that rating lightly, everything needs to be perfect. This place deserves it as one of the couple of dozen best meals we ever had in 40+ trips to France over the last 35 years. I can’t imagine how different our host could have been to get the bad reviews I read. I can only say in my experience, you get what you expect and if you expect bad you radiate that experience. We got 2 menus at 60€ each. We had no issues with overcharging. Judy’s entrée of artichokes in pea sauce was fabulous. My fois gras equal. Their bread was to die for; hard crispy crust, the inside soft but firm with the wonderful aroma of cooked yeast. We shared a rack of lamb, 4 chops each, the crust on the fat crisp tasting of pepper and the chops rare and beautiful. Spectacular local lamb. The cheese trolly got used well as I asked for small pieces of 6 cheeses. Judy was more rational with 3 choices. She got the best ile flotante she ever had, crisp caramel drizzled on the flotante floating in a beautiful creme anglaise. We sat on the terrace with vines covering our heads. The restaurant was beautiful. It gives us a reason to return.

We dropped in here as a last minute choice. And we are so pleased we did. We picked from the lunch menu (normal menu but smaller portions) and were over the moon with the standard and portion size. If you are ever near this restaurant then it is an absolute must eat destination.

I have known followed this ‘tribe’ of restaurant family owners for some 25 years. My favorite dinner destination when going to Provence. Service is dedicated, caring sharing by the family women. The patio is cool in the summer heat, whereas the ‘artichauds à la barigoule’ are lukewarm in your mouth. Then either the ‘lapin’ or the lamb rack is a must. So is the “brebis chèvre” cheese tray (cow is too fatty cholesterol prone) Every ingredients of utmost local quality. Be attentive in the wine selection as some regional red wine title over 14 degrees in alcohol which is turning into syrup... Besides, my dear readers the Richard family is awaiting for your visit with passion attention Have a sweet summer break in beautiful Provence les Alpilles Yours Salomon