27 AUG 2019: What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in your life? I’m indecisive on the best of days, but when you ask me such an important question about one of my favourite things of all time (food), it’s analysis paralysis. There are so many factors to consider and so many special moments that remind me that food is much more than just calories and nutrients.

It was ironic that I was under the gun to answer this very question two weeks ago, moments before unknowingly heading out to experience the best meal I’ve ever had in my life.

It was in Europe, in the south of France. I mean, end of story, right?

Every single thing I ate over there was incredible. Quality is way better straight out of the gate since European farming and agricultural standards haven’t yet been influenced by corporate greed. But the whole culture and lifestyle around food, in general, is in such a stark contrast to the hectic lives we live in major city centres in Canada and the US. But back to being spoiled rotten by my partner’s grandmother in the French Riviera…

I’ve always been a budget-friendly traveller, and if I’m being honest, the extent of my hotel restaurant experience is the sub-par continental breakfast. So when the three of us were headed to a restaurant for lunch to celebrate our last day in paradise I had no idea what I was in for.

We arrived at a hotel by the name of La Reserve de Beaulieu in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer and were guided to our reservation at one of the hotel restaurants, Le Vent Debout. After crossing a well-manicured courtyard garden we reached a pair of doors that opened up to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

Tables filled a luxurious terrace that wrapped around the hotel pool and overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. Crisp white beach umbrellas contrasted the deep blue of the sea with the mountains off to either side and the wait staff all dressed in matching white polo shirts and tan pants. Seriously, this place is so grand, it looks like something straight off of a movie set.

I suddenly became aware of my gaping mouth as we took our seats and I prayed silently that my table manners wouldn’t let me down.

We started with a glass of champagne and enjoyed a tomato tapenade that accompanied a variety of house-made flatbread crisps and, of course, baguette. I took each bite and sip of champagne so slowly to savour everything I could and hoped that it might also slow the passing of time.

The menu was reassuringly small and we all ordered the plat du jour (daily special doesn’t seem fitting for a place that offers chicken nuggets for a cool 45 euros). The main course consisted of a confit byaldi, a beautifully displayed arrangement of alternating tomato, zucchini and eggplant in a spiral fashion. The vegetables were bordered on one side with a decorative swipe of an olive tapenade. On top of the vegetables sat a perfectly cooked and very generous portion of salmon (thankfully this was not the fancy restaurant you leave still feeling hungry).

But my absolute favourite part of the dish came as a surprise to me for two reasons. Mainly because my average (at best) French skills meant I had no idea it was included in the dish in the first place, but also because I have never had mussels like that before in my life. The salmon fillet was garnished with the most delicious garlicky mussels offering a flavour burst that complimented the rest of the dish. I’m telling you these were the smoothest mussels on the planet, no chewiness, at all. I rounded out my meal with a raspberry sorbet complete with fresh raspberries and a lychee sauce drizzled overtop. 10 out of 10.

If I could have spent the rest of my life in that moment, I would have.

The view, the cool sea breeze, the food, and of course, the company, all made the meal so special that we ended up sitting at the table for over three hours. Seriously, we were the last ones there.

Without any fancy sauce or bold seasoning, it was without a doubt the best meal I’ve ever had in my life. It came from slowing down and appreciating the food and respecting it for what it was without distractions and in the company of people I love.

If you find yourself anywhere near the south of France you absolutely must go to La Reserve de Beaulieu and check out the restaurant. You can tell them I sent you, it probably won’t get you anything, but it’s the least I can do!