French Restaurant and Wine Bar

This week’s culinary adventure was to the Jomtien Complex to delight in some exceptional French cuisine created at the L’Arc Restaurant.  This super French restaurant has been in operation for just over one year, and is run by French restaurateurs Lydia and Christophe, who is also the executive chef here.   Selective decor in this unpretentious venue plus the friendly welcome from Lydia all helps to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere be it inside or out on the terrace area to enjoy one’s meal. 

The menu is indeed quite petite, but incorporates some exceptional recipes from celebrated food and wine regions around France, turning traditional rustic dishes into haute cuisine.   To obtain excellent end results, Christophe uses only fresh and top quality ingredients, such as imported Charolaise Beef, Rabbit, Vegetables and selected Cheeses from all over France.   Entrees start at 190 baht for a first class Terrine Maison (homemade Pate) to 350 baht for Escargot (Snails).  Frogs Legs and Black Pudding with Apples are also on the menu at 210 baht and 280 baht respectively. 

Indeed, for starters we sampled the Pate, a generous plate of course cut with a defined peppery taste and traditionally adorned with small Cornichon pickles.  We also tried fine tasting Smoked Salmon on Toast (250 baht) and a house specialty of St Jacques son Fond Poireaux (230 baht), being a mound of delicious small Sea Scallops on a very tasty Leek Fondue.   Main course dishes starts at 280 baht for the house specialty Beef Bourguignon to 420 baht for Bavette de Charolaise (braised Beef Cheeks).    We chose three meat dishes: a first class Beef Bourguignon, with generous chunks of tender Beef and Carrots braised in a rich Red Wine Sauce. Another house favourite is the Escalope de Veau Normand (400 baht) – a fine cut of Veal fillet together with a creamy Apple Sauce, and served with deliciously flavorsome Mashed Potato courtesy of a splash or two of Virgin Olive Oil.  Another Potato delight was the Gratin Dauphinoise, rich and creamy Cheese style, which accompanied the Beef and the other meat dish of Lamb Shank Confite (360 baht), with meat literally falling off the bone.

No French restaurant would be complete without a selection of Cheese, and L’Arc does not disappoint with a fine assortment at 320 baht.  Other Dessert temptations are Nougat Glace (120 baht) and Raspberry Mousse and an equally devilish Chocolate Mouse both at 140 baht.  The star dessert which is extremely popular with guests is Tarte Tatin (160 baht), one can see why this classic French upside down tart is such a mouthwatering treat, with luscious caramelized soaked Puff Pastry covered with Butter Caramelized slices of Apple, delectable served with Vanilla Ice Cream.  There is a good selection of Wines from 980 baht for Merlot to 1,400 baht for Cote de Rhone.  House wine is 120 baht a glass of white or red (300 baht a carafe) and 130 baht (carafe 360 baht) for excellent Rose de Fontanilles from the Languedoc Roussillon region of South East France.

L’Arc is open from 6pm until late and is closed on Wednesdays, and is located near Venue Cabaret in Jomtien Complex. Well worth a visit! Telephone:  038 251 921 or 084 564 4626.