A taste of France on the Central Coast: New wine bar, bistro opens in Avila Beach
This blog originally appeared here; BY DEBBY NICKLAS – Special to the Tribune
A new wine bar and bistro is adding to the seaside charm of Avila Beach.
Located just steps from the beach, Blue Moon Over Avila offers traditional French and European cuisine with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
The restaurant, which opened in October, is owned by Nanci Bell, co-founder and director of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. The executive chef is José Dahan, former owner of now-closed San Luis Obispo restaurant Et Voila.
Previously a Del Sol retail store, the indoor and outdoor space has been transformed into a stylish café with soft nautical colors and high-end finishes such as marble tabletops, rattan chairs and colorful lighting fixtures from Spain.
David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Cooking is a family affair for Dahan, a native of Toulouse, France, who began preparing food at age 6. His parents, brothers and sisters have all been involved with the restaurant industry in France, Spain and Germany.
After professional schooling in France and additional training in Belgium, Dahan came to Los Angeles, where he owned three restaurants. The chef moved to San Luis Obispo in 1997 and opened Et Voilà two years later.
The internationally inspired menu at his new eatery, Blue Moon Over Avila, puts an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and original flavors that complement wine. Bites and small plates are served all day.
Dahan said his cooking philosophy is “Keep it simple and try to use the best possible ingredients. … (Food) does not need to be complicated to be tasty.”
The mainstay appetizer at Blue Moon Over Avila is the delectable escargot, cooked with high-quality sweet butter, garlic, parsley and a tiny touch of blue cheese.
David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Another classic French menu item is gratin dauphinois: sliced potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce with Gruyere cheese. Steak lovers will appreciate the grilled flat-iron steak with a peppercorn and cognac sauce.
For lunch, there are panini options such as the traditional croque monsieur with ham, Gruyere cheese and béchamel sauce and the popular caprese with vine-ripened tomato and buffalo mozzarella. A hearty macaroni-and-cheese dish includes Caribbean shrimp in lobster sauce with tangy cheddar cheese.
Several salads are available as well, including baby spinach and cold poached salmon and the familiar salad nicoise with tomatoes, green beans, hard-boiled egg, potatoes and albacore tuna.
Dinner features two or three main-course options that rotate at least once a week and usually include a seasonal catch of the day. Recent offerings were sautéed Alaskan halibut and roasted kurobuta pork chops.
Dahan said he aims to create a European-style dining experience where diners share dishes and time together.
“I hope customers will … come and graze,” he said.
BLUE MOON OVER AVILA
460 Front St., Avila Beach
805-595-2583 or bluemoonoveravila.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.
The scene: A charming and stylish bistro for lunch and dinner that includes outside dining with an ocean view.
The cuisine: French and European cuisine, with imported wine and beer.
Expect to spend: $9 to $18 lunch and small plates, $32 to $34 main-course entrees
