You've got to appreciate history, even a little bit.  And any gourmet worth his Celtic sea salt knows that a throwback to fine-dining, once done well, can be sublime.

Doing it well is Martinique restaurant La Belle Epoque, positioned in the wealthy suburb of Didier, Fort de France.  Your history lesson starts in the sophisticated dining room, modeled in a 100-year old colonial house, outfitted with baroque tiles, period furniture and a wooden ceiling fan that was not made for your level of debauchery (we checked).  With you in mind, however, is a sideboard holding some real treasure - vintage rums.  Very vintage rums.

Moet et Chandon aperitifs, a menu page full of foie gras offerings, and exotic shrimp cocktails are just the tip of the iceberg, with seared duck or fish (and dessert) coming up next.  The chef presents a clever mix of modernity with some ancient leanings, but these are merely delightful obstructions in your quest for a more vintage experience (of the tippling nature).

Go forth and conquer.

 

La Belle Epoque | 97, Route de Didier, 97200 Fort de France, Martinique | 059 664 4119