Catriona Rowntree takes on a gastronomic tour of Nouméa
New Caledonia has a wonderful combination of Melanesian Pacific Island warmth and refined French style and culture.
This extends to the food with French-influenced flavours mixing with the freshest local seafood and produce.
Catriona Rowntree takes Getaway on a gastronomic tour of the capital, Nouméa.
Location:
Noumea, New Caledonia
Info and Cost:
Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa www.lemeridiennoumea.com
Rooms starts from $338 per night including breakfast
MV Lounge www.facebook.com/mvloungenoumea
Information correct at 14.02.26
Highlights:
Being able to taste New Caledonia's delicious cuisine is closer than you might think. With less than a 3 hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, you could be enjoying a tasty croissant or some pineapple fish balls under the shade of a coconut tree in no time!
Catriona started her culinary adventure at Nouméa's Moselle Markets at the marina of Port Moselle. She was led through the pavilions of seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and flowers by renowned local chef Alphonse Koce. He was choosing local organic produce to cook for lunch at his restaurant. Amongst other delights, Alphonse chose parrot fish, some freshly shaved coconut and the all important yam. Then it was back to the restaurant to cook up a feast which Catriona thought was absolutely delicious! The meal had a bit of the earth, a bit of the sea and a whole lot of flavour.
After a full day of feasting, Le Meridien Noumea Resort and Spa was the perfect place for Catriona to recover and relax. They have 207 spacious contemporary and elegant rooms with options for every budget. The onsite Deep Nature Spa, offers a full well-being experience, with treatment rooms, sauna, hammam, and jacuzzis.
Savour French food with a local twist at the resort's beachside restaurant Le Faré, or enjoy a cocktail and a bite to eat from the Beach Lounge overlooking the turquoise lagoon. Scrumptious buffet breakfasts and seafood buffet dinners are available poolside at Le Sextant, and tasty coffees, pastries or after dinner drinks at bar Latitude 22.
To finish off a magic day in paradise, Catriona stopped at MV Lounge, a very cool tapas bar right on the beach at trendy Bay de Citron. With a mix of locals and travellers, and great live music, it was the perfect spot to sip a cocktail as the sun set over sea.
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