La Villa Mahana
Cheese, Olives
Tattinger Prestige Brut Rose Champagne
House Sourdough, French Butter
Salade Royale – Spiny Lobster, Shrimp, Caviar, Local Flowers
Thon Rouge a la Vanille – Ahi Tuna, Tahitian Vanilla, Lime, Potatoes, Mixed Green Salad
Foie Gras Poele Aux Epices – Potato, Sweet Spices
Mahi Mahi Curry et Banane – Mahi Mahi, Curry, Banana, Sweet Potato Puree, Mango Sauce
Risotto de Langouste – Rock Lobster, Black Tiger Prawns, Champagne Sauce
Filet de Boeuf a la Vanille de Tahiti – Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Red Wine Vanilla Sauce, Creamy Gnocchi
Fondant Chocolat Noir Pur Caraibe – Dark Chocolate Cake, Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream
Banane Flambée – Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream, Banana, Old Rum, Mango Sorbet
Unarguably Bora Bora’s most exclusive Restaurant La Villa Mahana seats just 14 guests nightly, and thanks to advanced planning a reservation for two was secured at the only private outdoor table on Thursday evening.
Owned by Chef Damien Rinaldi-Dovio and his wife, he trained by Paul Bocuse and her in charge of business matters, it was upon exiting complimentary car service that two guests received a warm welcome including a wave and nod from Chef Damien in his open kitchen.
Formerly in charge of L’Orangerie in Los Angeles before opening shop north of Maitra Beach, “Villa of the Sun” actually home to a local artist, Rinaldi-Dovio’s menu includes both a la carte and tasting options, with nibbles of Cheese and Housemade crusty Sourdough presented as diners make decisions.
A meal worthy of Champagne, half-bottles of Tattinger well-priced for two, it was one of each Degustation requested that dinner began with gorgeous Seafood Salade Royale adjacent dayboat Ahi Tuna perfumed by Citrus and Tahitian Vanilla.
Working in tune with the season, Potatoes again seen as the base to seared Foie Gras with warm Spices, fans of Fish should pray that “Mahi Mahi Curry et Banane” is available if they visit as each bite offers unparalleled complexity in terms of sweet versus savory and levels of creaminess.
Rooted in French technique but bowing to Polynesian influence, textbook Risotto complimented by local Crustaceans, Beef Tenderloin is lean but rich and made all the more decadent by pillows of Pasta and reduced Wine Sauce with subtle hints of Vanilla.
No small portions right up to Dessert, with prices commiserate to fine-dining in any major American or European Metro, Dark Chocolate Fondant and Bananas Flambée each arrive alongside Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream that takes full advantage of the Bean’s bold aromatics.
www.villamahana.com

