My uncle is one of the sweetest men in the world - along with my husband and Daddy, of course – (PS – he has a political/current event focused blog that you can read here).
He’s my also my Godfather and has been spoiling me since day one – with shopping trips for special dresses at Christmas time and teaching me how to choose the finest red wines. He’s also an incredible cook and gardener, but I haven’t caught the green thumb yet.
This weekend we stayed at his lake house, and he arranged for Adam and I to have a very special anniversary celebration at a French restaurant in Mayville, New York, called La Fluer.
Set in the middle of a charming little town about 40 minutes from downtown Erie, PA, I didn’t have grand expectations – but it may just be the best meal I’ve ever had.
We were seated on the porch, and they offered to move us inside if we got too chilly – but it was a beautifully crisp late summer night.
Having traveled to France back in highschool, I wasn’t a big fan of the food at the time and wouldn’t seek out a place like this on my own. Thankfully my uncle has fabulous taste. He even ordered us a bottle of wine that was served as soon as we sat down.
As we perused the menu, we were served warm “gourgeres” – puffy mini pastries with herbs and cheese. A few more plates of those with the wine would have been a complete meal for me!
The menu was listed as first, second, and main courses – my salad was a selection from the second course menu:
Local beet medley, local baby lettuce, blood orange and avocado oil viniagrette, herb & goat cheese mousse, pistachio chutney & candied pistachio.
Adam didn’t want an appetizer or salad, but I insisted he get the soup – so I could taste it. 
Local corn soup, cold lobster & crab salad with truffle essence
As the sun set completely, the waiter – who we adored, and it was his last night working there – brought out a candle for our table.
Absolutely perfect palate cleansing canteloupe sorbet between courses:
The vegetarian main course option is simply listed as “Seasonal Vegetarian Preparation”, and I lucked out with this one:
To my best recollection: Roasted local tomato tarte with basil and baby pea puree, soy marinated grilled tofu with sprouts, and a roasted vegetable medley – snap peas, asparagus, carrots, purple potatoes, brussels sprouts, and radishes over a cream sauce
Adam went the predictable man route – filet with green peppercorn and cognac sauce, tomato provencale, and absolutely rediculous potatoes “au gratin”.
There had to be a stick of butter and pound of cheese between each paper thin layer – the best potatoes I’ve ever tasted.
When my uncle told me he made us a reservation here, he said both the wine and dessert were non-negotiable. And maybe it’s the French paradox at work, but even after the main the course I wasn’t uncomfortably full – and could hardly make up my mind once I read the dessert menu.
Although our waiter recommended the poached peach when I asked him for his favorite, I’m peached out after a few batches of cobbler. The trio of creme brulee sounded perfect for sharing.
Complete with rose petals, a candle, and a sincere wish for a happy first anniversary…
The only way to top a perfect meal, perfect wine, and perfect company?
With a rose and house made chocolates, of course – espresso truffles. I could have died.
Chilled dark chocolate perfection with a hint of espresso flavor that almost melted before you could even eat them. Such a shame Adam doesn’t like dark chocolate – I got to have both.
So, what’s the message here? First of all, THANK YOU to my amazing uncle for the best anniversary gift possible, and to La Fleur for an unfortgettable meal.
In terms of healthy messages, this rich French food was perfectly portioned, and the atmosphere encouraged mindful, slow eating to enjoy every moment of the dining experience.
Are you a fan of French cuisine? Have you ever been blown away by a restaurant experience?
What a perfect way to celebrate your anniversary. From the lighting to the food, it all looks absolutely devine <3
It was a great experience!
What a wonderful evening! Those “gourgeres” look great! Maybe a recreation soon?
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Week 1
Interesting idea…
Ohhh la la looks fancy! And quite tasty! That dessert especially looks amazing
Nikki recently posted..Chicken with the Head Cut Off
You know I’m ALL about dessert.
I went to France this summer and the eating experience was amazing! I loved how fresh the food was. And I really enjoyed the experience of eating which was at a nice slow pace in which I really enjoyed each course!
Shannon recently posted..An Opportunity to Live
Sounds like a fantastic experience!
Wow, what a fantastic looking meal! Happy late anniversary
I know exactly what you mean about the French meal portions. When Will and I went on our Bahamas cruise last year and ate at the French restaurant on board, I had no problem stomaching the 7-course meal. Everything was paired perfectly too!
Brittany @ Ittybitsofbalance recently posted..WIAW & Protein Winners
Thanks girl! I didn’t try French on the cruises I’ve been on, sounds good though!
Wow. That looks like the most wonderful dinner. So thoughtful of your uncle! I’ve only had French cuisine a few times, and I was a fan. I love the presentation of the food and how they portion it!
Angela @ Health’s Angel recently posted..Things Labor Day Weekend Taught Me
The presentation was definitely perfect – as was the service.
Wow, this looks like an amazing dining experience! What a great gesture from your uncle. This reminds me of a great dinner we had at a small restaurant in my hometown called The Local. All the ingredients are local (they have their own garden right there) and seasonal. It’s a bit pricey and the portions aren’t huge, but the food is so unique and delicious! Definitely a special occasion dinner. Glad you had a good anniversary
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed recently posted..10K Training: Week 1
Thanks, Amber! That place sounds amazing!
Wow! No, I’m not ususally a fan of French cuisine because it isn’t vegetarian friendly, but you just proved me wrong. That meal looks fabulous (as do you in your blue dress).
Happy (belated) Anniversary!
Shanna, like Banana recently posted..Why I don’t fit in
Thank you, Shanna! <3
OMG! the restauranting foodie in me is green with envy after reading this post! though i am a meat eater, i have to say that your meal looks better to me than the filet because of the wonderful variety. i adore how they called the chickpeas “baby peas” haha, super cute!
i’m so glad you got to share this special meal with your man!
i’ve found that whenever i visit restaurants and do small, multi-course meals like this, i am never uncomfortably full! i think spacing out the courses and the small portions combine to create a normal-sized meal that just involves many different tastes. that’s exactly what i’m looking for!
you are definitely lucky to have such a spoiling godfather
Caitlin recently posted..Gorton’s Seafood Grilled Fish Tacos
Wow, that meal looks simply to die for!
I love French food! It’s funny how your tastes change as you get older and things you used to dislike you now love!
As far as those beets go, I can’t remember what they’re called but the candy cane striped ones are so so so amazing! I hope I can find them again!
Anne recently posted..Fire Alarms and Salad Overload!
Oh man this looks like an amazing meal. The French can cook!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Spicy Salmon Salad
I didn’t think I liked French food either, but everything looks so good! I like how the portions are sensible, so that you can taste a little bit of everything and not be rolling out of the restaurant. Sounds like your uncle is a great man!
Sara @ sarasmiles recently posted..Beach Banana Nut Muffins