SIX STARS - SUPERIOR. Last night we celebrated a birthday and I am so glad we chose Aix en Provence. This restaurant is first class in all respects from service to food. When we were seated, our server came with a bottle of (very nice) champagne and each of us were poured a glass in celebration of the birthday honoree. In addition, a birthday card signed by all the staff was waiting on our table. That was such a nice beginning to our evening.
The menu consists of small plates, pasta and risotto offerings and regular size entrees. Some plates vary daily such as the charcuterie platter and foie gras. I chose the butternut squash and ham hock agnolotti that was wonderfully light and flavorful along with the butter lettuce salad. My dining companions started with the Oeuf Norwegian which is smoked salmon wrapped around a poached egg. Beautiful presentation and very delicious. They then shared two entrees: the braised lamb tagliatelle and the duck comfit Cassoulet Campagnard. Both dishes got rave reviews.
From a service standpoint, all went quite well. Our server was informative without being pushy. He was easy going yet very attentive. His wine recommendations were very much in keeping with how we described our tastes. When he brought our dessert choice, he included a small birthday candle. The candle didn't cooperate so he left the dessert but took the candle back to the kitchen only to bring the lit candle back in a small dish for the birthday honoree.
Our evening was enhanced by a visit from Chef Owner Nicholas Tarnate. We were glad we could let him know how nice our evening had been. It's really the small things that make dining an event. Aix en Provence pays close attention to all details and especially to the small things.