MARIE-ANTOINETTE

An institution! How can one imagine a holiday at Mahé without a meal at the Marie Antoinette, whose name recalls that of the original place, the Grand Trianon? This is where, for many years, the good Mrs. Fonseka has, until his 84 th birthday, regaled with as much know-how as the legions of tourists, hundreds of them having hung their cards on one of the walls of his large wooden and sheet, built before the tragic "avalanche of 1862. Maps that are still part of the decor of this sacred building National Monument in 2007 and Historic Monument in 2011, distinctions consecutive to the important and exemplary restoration that she badly needed. A house full of atmosphere and history. In 1871, explorer Stanley came out of his historic expedition in Africa, looking for David Livingstone, missing on the shores of Lake Tanganika. From Zanzibar, the tireless journalist had to board Mahé on a cruise ship to Marseille via the Suez Canal. But when Stanley arrived in Victoria, that ship had already left the port. As the next start took place only one month later, the plumb decided to rent this wooden house that he named Livingstone Cottage.

One hundred and forty-seven years later, a gentle perfume of colonial nostalgia still prevails in this place of heritage, the most famous Creole restaurant of the archipelago having been taken over by one of Mrs. Fonseka's sons, Roy. It is his cordial companion, Guyto Mondon, who leads the case effectively, with the single menu composed of small Creole dishes served at the same time: eggplant doughnuts, tuna steak, grilled fish, chicken cari, shimmered fish with vegetables, chatinis, rice and salad. And for the koko nougat and caramel banana, it's at an additional cost, South African wine flowing for 425 SR the carafe of one liter, 270 SR half-carafe (international à la carte wines also, about 340 RS bottle). Fresh fruit juices and a ti-punch are also offered. In short, from the honorable Tipik, served both in the historic parquet room and on the covered terrace, facing a great painting by the pirate Olivier Levasseur said La Buse, whose treasure would be buried in Bel Ombre, near Beau Vallon. In front of the terrace, the turtle park houses a dozen, including the dean Abraham, in the 90 years. One more attraction for this reference restaurant, within walking distance of Victoria, the road to Beau Vallon. If you don't eat there, you can stop at least the time of a home punch, just to admire Victoria's most creamy remains. Unavoidable!