July 30, 2024

Shvitzed in Biarritz

I am very good at change. I embrace it. The second we hit Biarritz and its restaurant, Cheri Bibi, I got into the chill of the town.

Dinner was exceptional. Everything about it screamed France. Everything we ate was farm-sourced. Everything is local, including the wine, and the lovely owners have decided how they deliver hospitality to their spot, which is simple and brilliant. Walking into the wine fridge with the owner and making a choice is a sweet move.

The menu is what we see in many places these days. A small bar nosh, vegetables, mains and dessert. Different daily based on the produce. Two things stood out. Their classic “oeufs mimosa” that I have savored multiple times in the city at Libertine but nowhere else. They were perfect. Fluffy, with an explosion of creamy mayo in my mouth. Even Fred, who is not a mayo fan, couldn’t help himself.

The other was the chicken salad. I wish they handed me the recipe on the way out. Primarily pieces of dark meat, kimchi, cucumbers, carrots, and peanuts in a light yet rich peanut sauce. Indescribably delicious.

We walked home from dinner, taking in the town. This architecture drew me in. It defines many places in France where they do such an excellent job of acknowledging and keeping the old yet incorporating the new.

The beach is beautiful. It’s a big surfer town. This is supposedly a famous spot. We returned to the hotel, took in some of the Olympics, and passed out.

The following day, we strolled around town, where we shvitzed. Les Halles is where everyone comes to get their wares for the day. I love how they close at 2 pm, essentially forcing everyone to get their shit together in the morning so the purveyors can also enjoy the rest of their day.