I went to Orchidea a while ago and I was debating whether or not to blog on it as it’s a bit outside the beaten track – in Guadeloupe. Since then I’ve added a “Travel” page to my blog so I thought I’d share with you my experience.
I know Guadeloupe is not a common destination for most of you, but as it is a vacation destination, some of you may choose to spend some time in the Dom-Tom. I think it’s worth talking about this restaurant, and especially about Chef Arnaud Bloquel. He is a young and talented Chef, and I’m sure we will hear about him in the near future. He worked for several years for famous French Chefs like Cyril Lignac, Christian Constant, and Joel Robuchon, before opening his own restaurant at Saint-François in Guadeloupe. He works most of the time with local ingredients, which makes the task challenging and the dishes interesting.
The menu changes regularly and is renewed with seasonal and fresh products. You can feel the passion in Arnaud and his team that is reflected in the service, the dishes, and the combination of subtle flavors and aromas.
The décor is very simple and elegant: open terrace on the Saint-François Golf Court, a swimming pool, white linen, big grey stones on the tables to support the napkins, and a wooden floor. There is an orchid in the bottom of a candle holder on each table, as “orchidea” means orchid.
We started with the delicious “Planteur” for the apéro. It’s a local cocktail made of Rum, cane sugar, and fruit juice. If you are in Guadeloupe you just can’t miss it!
The amuse-bouches were elegantly and originally presented; soup in pipettes, sushi roll, asparagus in brick, and mousse presented on little spoons.
From appetizers of Ouassous (shrimps) and Chatrou (Octopus) to desserts. Baba made with Le vieux Rhum (Old rum), La Fraise (strawberry), Meringa cups with basil mousse and lemon sorbet. Each dish we ordered was very well presented and succulent. The main dishes with their local sea bream and pork filet was excellent and very creative.
Surprisingly, they suggested a very nice children’s menu; no chicken nuggets or pizza like most restaurants. The children don’t feel neglected; on the contrary, they can savor beautiful and delicious meals. And it comes at a very good price, which is never an unpleasant surprise! Parma ham with melon presented like a flower, local sea bream served with fresh tomatoes and purée, and for dessert vanilla ice cream with strawberries.
The staff at L’Orchidéa was young like Arnaud and very professional. Chef Bloquel has many ideas for the future and I wish him good luck for a brilliant carrier! You can see me bellow with chef Bloquel, I’m pretty sure I was wearing high heels! Lol
No Michelin star yet but Arnaud is working on it!
Orchidea
12 lot du golf, 97118 Saint-Francois
Guadeloupe
📞05 90 22 32 38
Price: $$$$
Petit Plaisir €49 – wine pairing €17
Passion €78 – wine pairing €27
La Langouste €105 – wine pairing €30
Langoustine de profondeur €165 – wine pairing €30
