Grateful for life!

So it's been a while since I've reviewed a restaurant, with the pandemic and this pregnancy we haven't gone out much, if at all. Our dates have consisted mostly of long drives, Uber eats and the occasional walk to the ice cream shop. So when Boulangerie Merci la Vie began serving outdoor picnic style dinners we simply could not resist.

I have been wanting to check this beautiful spot out for a long time now, I have heard raving reviews of their breads and pastries and I couldn't wait to get out there! Their farm to table style is something I absolutely love and appreciate in every way and boy were we in for a treat!

Upon arrival we were greeted with the most breathtaking view of the mountains and the field lined with picnic tables and torches, and right smack in the middle the most gigantic and beautiful tree. They could not have picked a better location, a true rustic dream! I'm not sure if they host weddings just yet but they are right at the top of my wish list, maybe one day!

We were then asked to pick out out meal and beverage and from there we would have to head inside to order but the rest of the evening was spent outside on their beautiful terrasse. All dishes and cutlery were disposable and compostable which I can definitely appreciate and the staff was enthusiastic and sweet reminding me of how much I have missed human contact in the last few months! It made for a perfect socially distant date if you ask me!

We started off with drinks, a cherry ice tea for Mike and a strawberry lemonade for me! Both very refreshing and perfect for the warm evening!

We then ordered the carrot and squash cavatelli and excuse me but I'm about to get really poetic over here! This dish! The balance in the flavors and the perfection is undeniable! From the first bite I wished I had ordered three portions! The carrot cavatelli was absolutely stunning in texture and the sweetness of the carrots complimented the garlicy sauce and the zucchini so perfectly! I don't usually say this but this might be my favorite new dish!

We also had the asparagus with fresh homemade mascarpone and elderberry jam which was also very good, the asparagus was fresh and beautiful and I really loved the berries with the mascarpone! Honestly cudos to the chef for coming up with these beautiful flavors with such fresh local and seasonal ingredients!

We then had the spicy Al Coppa pizza which I could not get enough of. One big craving of mine during this pregnancy has been spicy foods, I can't stop adding spice and I love it on pretty much everything. This pizza did it for me! And that dough! Holy moly that is one beautiful pizza dough! So fresh and light and fluffy in all the right places! Mike was not a fan of the sweet onion topping but I thought that it complimented the spicy Szechuan oil so well and added just the right amount of crunch!

Just a boy and his pizza! I am all heart eyes for this man and I can't wait to meet our pizza loving baby in just a couple of months!

Now! Let's talk about dessert! Oh my taste buds! When we first arrived the strawberry and citrus pavlova with yogurt alla bufflonne Chantilly caught my eye so we ordered it right away and what a treat! The ultimate summer dessert if you ask me! So light and beautiful and fresh, I'm smitten with this dessert, absolutely head over heels! I want more. So I got more! (Yay pregnancy!)

Introducing the chocolate pavlova, topped with honey caramel and meringue and peanuts and crunchy cocoa kamut and quinoa! Anyone with a sweet tooth will know that this is as decadent and rich as it gets but my goodness was it good. I did not regret going back for seconds and practically licked the bowl!

Honestly thank you to everyone at Merci La Vie for this beautiful meal, for giving us a safe place for a perfect date night during these tough times! I honestly cannot wait to come back!

Till next time!

Stay sweet!