‘LA PETITE MAGNIFIQUE’ (SMALL CAN BE MAGNIFICENT)
A TASTE OF SIMPLICITY
My passion for the world of hospitality runs deep-it's more than just a career; it's a way of life. There's something truly magical about the ability to create spaces where people feel welcomed, where food becomes an experience, and where every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a memorable moment. But if there's one thing that truly stirs my heart, it's the raw, unrefined charm of simple, rustic restaurants and bistros. These are the places that don't need to shout about their greatness; they simply are.They're the ones where the food is honest, the service is heartfelt, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you've stepped into something genuine.There's an understated brilliance in creating such spaces - ones that celebrate simplicity, authenticity, and the joy of good company-and it's this kind of magic that I'm deeply drawn to, both in my work and in my life.
Let me share a recent experience with you.
Dining at La Merenda, Nice
I have been lucky enough in my working life to spend a lot of time in Provence. It was only a few years ago I visited Nice's old town. It was love at first sight. I love meandering around the streets and eating great food. I try and escape the UK winter darkness for a few days, this time I won the trip as a prize (who says no one ever wins prizes!)
Sometimes, the best meals don't come with a fancy menu or a celebrity chef's name splashed across the front. Often, the most memorable culinary experiences are served up with a dash of simplicity, a sprinkle of charm, and a whole lot of passion. That's exactly what I found during my recent visit to Nice, when I stumbled upon La Merenda, a rustic gem tucked away in the heart of the old town.
I respect places that aren't trying too hard to be in the in crowd, I truly admire the ones that ooze passion but keep it simple. I believe that great food speaks for itself, and great hospitality should feel like a warm embrace - nothing too grand, just welcoming and real. c, without a doubt, is the embodiment of this philosophy.
From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the authenticity of the place.The decor? Simple yet inviting. It's not trying to be anything other than what it is - a cozy, family-run spot where good food and genuine hospitality are the stars of the show. There's something refreshingly unpretentious about it, and that's what makes it so special. The walls, adorned with local artwork, vintage knick-knacks and framed menus giving a nod to the Chef Patrons haut cuisine roots. It felt more like someone's living room than a restaurant, and I loved every bit of it. The tables have to be pulled out to get your guest in, there is absolutely no space wasted. No room for a telephone nor credit card machine. So, book online and take cash.
So, who's cooking?
The chef-patron of La Merenda in Nice is Dominique Le Stanc, a highly regarded figure in the local culinary scene. Known for his passion for authentic Niçoise cuisine, Le Stanc has built a reputation for serving simple, flavorful dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. With a background rooted in traditional French cooking, he himself earned two Michelin stars at the nearby Hotel Negresco. The story I heard (and am sticking to it as its lovely) is that he ate each week in this little bistro and when the then owners announced their retirement, he decided to leave his job and his two stars and buy the restaurant. He can be seen out and about on his bicycle collecting produce from his suppliers.
But let's talk about the food, shall we?
La Merenda's menu (chalkboard) is a celebration of local flavours, and each dish feels like it was prepared with a deep respect for tradition. We went for 3 courses kicking off with stuffed sardines and pissaladière (that was freshly baked and sitting out on the countertop). Main courses we chose fresh pasta with pistou and the most amazing tête de veau I have ever eaten. To finish a beautiful lemon tart that thankfully hadn't seen a fridge, and you know it never will, and a plate of local fresh goat's cheese soaked in local olive oil. Nothing flashy, just good, honest food that made me feel like I was dining in a secret spot that only the locals knew about.
The best part? The whole experience didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. This, my friends, is the magic of great hospitality. You don’t need to serve Michelin-starred dishes to impress – you just need to create an environment where people feel at home, where the food is honest, and where the service makes you feel like you’re the most important guest in the room. That’s what La Merenda does so well, and it’s something I deeply admire.
In a world where restaurants often seem to be chasing the next big thing or the flashiest trend, it’s refreshing to find a place that’s all about staying trueto what works. Simple, rustic, and full of heart. If only more businesses in our industry could take a leaf out of La Merenda’s book and focus on what truly matters: a great atmosphere, a welcoming vibe, and food that speaks for itself.
As someone who lives and breathes the world of hospitality and business development, I see immense value in creating experiences that are authentic and meaningful. It’s about making something simple feel extraordinary, and that’s where the magic happens.
If you’re a business looking to create something special, something that connects with your customers on a deeper level, I’d love to chat. There’s no need to over-complicate things – sometimes the most impactful experiences come from just being real. Let’s work together to create something that people will remember for all the right reasons. Feel free to reach out to me at Clive Dixon Consultancy. I’m excited to help you build some thing amazing.
Until then, I’ll be dreaming about that tête de veau https://lamerenda.net
