Last week, we finally did it, after waiting almost two years, we decided to return to Et Voila for Happy Hour. The place had been a Happy Hour favorite of our for years; and while they they did takeout for a period, it was never the same. We picked a day early in the week and arrived right at 430 to minimize contact. The place was empty and the Owner, Ludo was so happy to see us. Since this was Happy Hour, we sat in the bar area; which they've opened up and put screens up, and also dividers between pairs of seats. Just two other couples arrived during our time at Et Voila, one pair for HH and the other dining in.
The Missus started with a glass of wine and I got the Huckleberry Bourbon ($12 at Happy Hour)
A bit weaker than I recalled, but still fine.
We ordered our usual for Happy Hour……….
The Beignet de Champignons ($10 during HH) were perfect; hot, nicely fried, perfectly salted.
Crisp on the outside, creamy – earthy finish.
The Missus got Her Raviolis aux Champignons ($13 during HH).
We've had occasion when this dish is a bit too sweet for us…and my goodness, they are really loving the foam these days. But this was well done, a hint of truffle, saltiness from Parmesan cheese, earthiness of the mushrooms.
And we also got the Terrine de Porc et Pistaches ($11 during HH).
Rustic porkiness; a hint of sweetness, this really made me miss Paris and our favorite charcuterie restaurant.
So, did Et Voila deliver? Yes, they sure did. It had been so long….there were moments when the Missus and I took bites of food, looked at each other and laughed out loud. This felt….just so normal and right. Something that had been missing from our lives for a while now. I'm not sure when we'll be doing this again, but I wasn't having those thoughts on this evening….I was just enjoying the moment.
Et Voilà!
3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116
Current Hours:
Tues – Thurs 430pm – 9pm
Fri – Sat 430pm – 930pm
Sunday 430pm – 8pm
Closed on Mondays
Happy Hour – Served at the Bar Only
Tues – Thurs 430pm – 730pm
Fri – Sat 430pm – 6pm
We hope all of you are doing well!
The Beignet de Champignons looks tasty.
oh that looks good, it so hard to find casual French food here and that looks delicious
nice! glad you soaked up the moment.
We’ve gone for dinner a few times since the pandemic started – the back patio (parking lot, I think?) is nice in warmer weather. I appreciate the barriers in between tables inside, which provide separation between tables without feeling claustrophobic. And those mushroom raviolis are broke da mouth!
They were Soo!
It’s pretty rare here as well Amanda.
We really enjoyed it Kat!
Yes, they outfitted the small park parking area for dining James. They’ve done a really nice job with the dividers.
Man, I totally feel this post, missing the ease or namely the absence of fear and worry about just sitting at a bar, enjoying happy hour. Glad one of your favorite places is still surviving throughout all of this.
The terrine looks awesome
So happy you were able to enjoy this meal with your Missus! I knew from the title that this would be a special one.
Been reading for a few years, and commenting only for the first time now, and I just wanted to thank you for all of your hard work documenting everything over the years. It’s truly a priceless body of work. You’ve helped guide my palate and made me a more thoughtful and curious eater, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. I will continue to read for as long as I am eating and drinking. Thanks Kirk and friends!
Hey Sawyer – It’s so good to hear from you. Hope all is well. We’re so glad that Et Voila has made it so far.
It was quite good ST!
Thanks so much Matthew for reading all these years! It means a lot to us. I’m so glad that you’ve found some for our little blog. Take care and hope to hear from you again!
We still haven’t been there for dinner/happy hour. It’s been awhile but I’m glad they are still around. We hardly go out at night (lol).
I’m glad they’ve made it so far CC!