The story
Et bon vent operates as a modest bistro in La Ciotat after Federico Bruschetta and Carolina Nogueira de Mello relocated from London. Recognized by Le Fooding for their grounded approach, the Italian Brazilian couple converted a small unit on a pedestrian street near the Vieux Port into a compact dining room. Carolina now crafts every plate while Federico curates the cellar. Their menu shifts with daily market finds rather than fixed seasonal rotations.
Carolina builds her dishes around sharp contrasts and clean textures. A slice of pork and sun dried tomato terrine arrives with crunchy piccalilli made from cauliflower and carrots. She balances heavy flavors with light additions like ginger and cucumber gazpacho spooned over homemade labneh. Roasted carrots and potatoes anchor a bed of pork and sage polpette topped with miso glazed shallots.
Blue paint covers the walls while wooden fixtures and vintage chairs fill the narrow space. Cement tiles ground the floor beneath shelves stacked with low intervention bottles. Guests often pour a glass themselves before settling into the tightly arranged tables. Natural wine flows freely through the dining room as part of the everyday rhythm at this coastal bistro.
Carolina saves a simple rustic apricot tart for last, serving it with crème anglaise and marinated strawberries. Guests pair the dessert with lingering conversations before the kitchen closes. The team maintains a relaxed pace throughout the evening.
Recognition
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