Villa Archange (Bastide Bruno Oger)  

A few minutes from the Croisette, Bruno Oger placed a bet that there could be life for the gourmand away from Cannes' horizon, leaving behind the Villa des Lys and the Majestic Barrière. To be, to invest, and to succeed, "that is the question". The answer will come in the long term, beyond this third season, but he has already overcome some significant challenges. He has transformed a building destined for the wrecking ball into an elegant bastide with a successful brasserie bordered by terraces and a "Villa" in two elegant salons (25 places) with terrace shaded by a linden tree. There is art here, and light. The "small menus" at the Bistro call to us, but in this exquisite mansion we find, unchanged, the poised gastronomy of a Georges Blanc veteran. The Mediterranean is held at a distance and a confidence, rather than a vivacity, of the South emerges. Blanquette of veal jowl, full and fragrant, is a good example of this culinary centrism. From frog leg cappucino in yellow wine, a picture of finesse, to the large "Traou Mad" with pineapple, mango sorbet, and lime, Sylvain Mathy's beautiful dessert - it's the Oger Collection of signature dishes that set the standard: disciplined, distinctive, traditional. Is Bruno Oger a "classic"? Maybe better to say he's a chef for calm seas and dependable recipes, beginning with the lunch discovery menu (stunning smoked duck foie gras with apple and Calvados). He's also an entrepreneur who dares and diversifies - this year becoming the consultant chef for Bâoli, a hallmark of the Cannes night life. From his starred heights in Cannet to parties in Port Canto, Bruno Oger breaks the codes and comfort of his establishment, but in his own way: maestro, but not "superstar".