Top Left: From the left: Nicolai Lundsgaard (Head Chef), Mari Sommerchild (Chef) and Emil Heimdal (General Manager)
environment feels unique, as it is fine dining, but in a small, cosy and private setting. “When business customers ask for a private table, we can tell them that all our tables are private, as it’s never too crowded or too loud,” says Heimdal. “It is also a very traditional setting with white tablecloths and napkins as well as silverware and crystal glasses.” Food without a label Café de France serves a six course menu everyday, which changes every fortnight. The ingredients are chosen for their high quality, whether it is local fish, meat or vegetables, or exclusive top international ingredients such as foie gras. The menu can be enjoyed in its entirety or you can pick and choose a smaller set of courses. The wine menu is an experience in itself, as each course from the food menu can be matched perfectly with a glass of ex-
cellent wine. The waiters have an extensive knowledge when it comes to choosing the right wines, so you do not have to be a connoisseur yourself. The style of the cooking, however, is not the easiest thing to describe, and Heimdal definitely does not want to put a label on it. “I kind of hate the word ‘concept’, as we don’t want to put ourselves in a lockeddown position,” he says. “We do Central European cooking with French, Italian, Spanish and some Asian influences. But it is a new generation of cooking, and we’re always moving and always adapting. There are no specific words to describe our style, because if you want to be part of the game, you need to be able to evolve. “But our style is also based on traditional cooking, like the slow-cooking of meat, for example. We have respect for old traditions, but we do not subscribe to any specific style. We’re not really modern ei-
ther, but there are some elements of it. We’re always evolving,” he continues. But even without a label, the food is definitely superb and, most importantly, inspired. According to Heimdal, there is always a good energy and feeling amongst the customers, as they are extremely happy about the quality of their food and wine. And in the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of Café de France, the happy guests seem like just a natural extension of their surroundings.
For more information, please visit: www.cafedefrance.no Address: Café de France Eiganesveien 8 4008 Stavanger Norway
Issue 21 | August 2010 | 43