La Table du Chateau, Mauritius: Oddly Romantic and Delicious
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La Table du Château: A Tourist Trap That Delivers
Two people, two main courses, 1 large still water, 2 cocktails: MUR2055 (EUR50, US$56, GBP46, AED206) La Table du Château is in an impossibly beautiful location. Picture this: a contemporary fine dining restaurant, amidst a mid-18th century sugar plantation, on the fringe of a mid-19th century French colonial plantation, meticulously restored in this century. Oh, and La Table du Château is in tropical Mauritius. We are here during Mauritius’ cooler, more benevolent “winter months” allowing for splendid al fresco dining.
The Highs
The Lows
The Highs
The Lows
But is this a trap?
I have lost count and patience with the number of restaurants who succeed because of where they are and not what they are. Why would these restaurants make any effort? You are coming anyway after all. I am still talking to you Venice but now let’s add some Parisian cafes to this growing list of predatory eateries.
I came to La Table du Château with a sharpened sense of cynicism handicapped by a fierce appetite seeking a late lunch. Both my wallet and my greed vulnerable to the efficient and sharp snap-back of a tourist bear trap. If the food was inedible then at least we could sink a bottle of wine (or two, or…) and stare silently onto classic French plantation architecture, sugarcane fields and tropical flowers.
I came to La Table du Château with a sharpened sense of cynicism handicapped by a fierce appetite seeking a late lunch. Both my wallet and my greed vulnerable to the efficient and sharp snap-back of a tourist bear trap. If the food was inedible then at least we could sink a bottle of wine (or two, or…) and stare silently onto classic French plantation architecture, sugarcane fields and tropical flowers.
If All Else Fails, At Least We Would Have This View
We were warned by an exhausted mother with a murder of crowing children that the restaurant serving times were very long resulting in her waiting an hour for food. There it was: the evidence I wanted to support my case. I was rapidly and quietly hoping the wine list was superb. Yet, living in England for over a decade taught me to muzzle my inner monologue, nod appreciatively and thank her for the heads up.
It’s accomplished cooking that takes a firm medal position as one of the best fish curries I’ve ever had.
We sat around 3.30 pm at a handsomely laid table with an uninterrupted view of the Château. The waiters rushed to us (but in that sort of graceful panic exuded by ballerinas fussing across a stage) presenting leatherish-bound, embossed menus. I dipped a curious toe into the kitchen service time left reassured that waiting times would be 15 – 20 minutes. This I could live with.
Thankfully, the food does arrive on time
The food arrives serving a luminous, tawny fish and aubergine curry together with a moment of truth. This is a seriously plentiful lunch for one. The fish lays beneath a tangled riot of violet aubergine and sticky caramelised fried onions in a puddle of turmeric-stained, coconut cream gravy. The curry is coupled with a Balti dish stuffed with basmati rice, more caramelised onions and a crown of crisp, light poppadum. Finally, a petite portion of black lentils and peanut chutney arrive like spectators bearing witness.
AND TO DRINK
Would I Return to La Table du Château?
I would absolutely return to La Table du Château. The food is a little inconsistent but overall still good, high quality and a superb celebration of the melange that is Mauritian Creole food. It was one of the more memorable meals we had in Mauritius partly due to the unparalleled surroundings. I am tempted to return for the tasting menu.
I recommend coming here during the day to witness first-hand just how beautiful the grounds are and then to walk off your lunch with a peek into the Chateau de Labourdonnais.
I recommend coming here during the day to witness first-hand just how beautiful the grounds are and then to walk off your lunch with a peek into the Chateau de Labourdonnais.
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