When Bonaparte and I visited the Cote d’Azur this summer, we had the greatest meal in the most adorable restaurant on the needle of L’Aiguille. A thin, long but small beach in Theoule-sur-Mer. It took a while for us to find the place, but when we did, it was nirvana. All we did was talk about how great it’ll be to return next summer.
This was the menu from the restaurant. We had plans to visit next summer. I’m glad I have my photos and memories!
Then, I found out the restaurant was in danger of being demolished due to some French politics that I’m not going to get into. We signed petitions. I, as well as many others I’m sure, wrote to Nice-Matin, a local newspaper about the plight of this restaurant and the family who owns it.
The petition from Petitions.24 had so many signatures–internationally.
The newspaper published articles. One of the TV stations showed up. I even devoted a blog post about this.
Mais jai Une Cause. An Effort to Save a Little Gem of a Restaurant
Even with the support of so many people and the media, the demolition was carried forth.
Demolition of Restaurant L’Aiguille Here’s a little clip for you to see. It’s really sad to watch.
How could the powers-that-be get rid of a restaurant with a view like this?
Restaurant L’Aiguille, may not be on the map anymore. But, in my mental map of memories, I will never ever forget the most wonderful meal I’ve ever had in my life. I will never remember that little beachfront in France. Bonaparte and I are happy that we were fortunate enough to have had that meal at this little restaurant.
My map will be different these days. But I’ve got memories–and great ones!
I wish Cedric and his family the best of luck and many successes in all they do!
It’s the end of a long run for the restaurant, but I wish every success to Cedric and his family. Every. Best. Success!
The only song I could think of right now is Charles Trenet’s “La Mer” Obviously.
Oh no !! So the restaurant is finally closing ? What a pity !
It’s demolished. I’m really, really sad.Politics.
Yeah, we’re really good at putting those everywhere in France.
Oh Bonaparte is having plenty to say about that! Between politics here and politics in France, he’s complaining in stereo!
Well, you know, it’s a sign of good health for a French guy. Start worrying when he’ll stop complaining. 😉
So sad when politics gets involved in these types of establishments. It reminds me of the states with eminent domain – the taking of other’s personal property for public use is not always a good idea. Thanks for another great post. 🙂
Spear. The weird thing is that the restaurant, which has been there for 25 years, is going to be replaced with a snack bar! Does this make sense? Apparently, the government had “issues” with the restaurant being so close to the water. Something is not right. Glad you enjoyed this out-of-character post from me! XOXOXO!
A snack bar, really? OMG, so stupid – sorry I should not use that word, but I just did.
It is sad when politics get involved to destroy something that has meaning.
Absolutely. It’s also sad that a family has lost their business, chefs have lost jobs and waitstaff has also lost their jobs. It’s horrible…..
That post about the restaurant was the first one I read on your site. I feel sad too!
It”s sad to revisit that post too–isn’t it? I’m glad we have great memories though. I just feel for the owners. It’s horrible to having something you worked so hard to build gets destroyed in a matter of moments….XOXO!
Interesting post. Politics always does interfere in everything. Sorry about the restaurant.
Right???
sad for the restaurant. beautiful blog post.
That’s terrible! Will the restaurant owner try to find a new location? Or is that the end?
Hi Meg. As far as I know–that’s it. I really hope they do open a new place though!!
The same happens over here!And it is so sad!
I wish Cedric and his family can start somewhere else and be even more successful and happier in the new place.
Like Cathy I think the post about this was the first one I read from you.
I hope they can start anew as well. Wow. This post is being back more memories than I thought. It’s nice though. I think this gives people food for thought in that nothing remains the same forever! XOXOXO!
That would be like watching one of your children be killed! I felt horribly like that when they closed our retreat house up on the mountain. It was like the place I’ve been the happiest in the world. Sad story, Catherine.
But you have wonderful memories of that retreat house. Right??? And when it comes down to it, I guess that’s the best thing–great memories! XOXOXO!
What a shame! Sometimes, people and their dreams simply get sacrificed under the bus of local politics.
Jacqueline–and sometimes I think local politics are worse than state or federal. It’s those little guys with the “power”. XOXO!
Power that they like to flex indiscriminately. Regards
That is sad, why would they want to demolish a restaurant!? What politics is that???
Ecology–yet a snack bar will open on it’s site–and run by someone else.