La Cote Basque has been in nearby Gulfport for over 30 years, owned and staffed by three generations of the same family. This was my first visit thanks to an offer from Groupon. Our server was ecstatic about being part of the 3rd generation. I don't think the decor nor the menu has changed much in 30 years. Frank refers to the decor as "grenier de grand-mère" (Grandma's Attic) with it's collection of old paintings, fabrics, lights and nic-nacs placed throughout the restaurant. I thought it was great fun, maybe a little over the top, but very fitting for a very old French country-styled restaurant.We also noted that each table was set with different china - another nice touch from Grand-mere.
The menu leans strongly French with some German and Swiss influences. You can view the menu by clicking the restaurant name in the opening sentence. We opened our meal with the Pate de Strasbourg, the Goose Liver Pate. It was very smooth, rich, and tasty. The next course was a house salad with a house-made Honey-Dijon mustard dressing which was excellent. I don't know what else was in the dressing, but it was some of the best honey-dijon that I have ever had.
Our Entrees were wonderful and tasty. Frank opted for the Caneton Roti a la Sheree (1/4 Roast Duckling Amaretto, Honey, and Cherry sauce, topped with Nuts and Almonds) which he proclaimed "superb'. I had the Carre d' Agneau Provencal (Rack of Lamb, Demi Glace, Dijon Mustard and Thyme) which was also excellent although just a touch overdone, not by much, but not quite as rare as I like. All entrees are served with 3 veggies and potatoes or rice. Not an overwhelming amount of side dishes, just a couple of bites of each one, but all very tasty.
Overall it was a wonderful dining experience and I would like to go back for more of their great food.
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