Saffron tiramisu, sushi with foie gras...this is what the Seychelles can be as well

After introducing you to the wild South of Mahé, I pondered on what to show you next for a long time. Knowing it to be my duty to take you with me in order to experience yet another facet of this wonderful archipelago, I then thought about the long list of encounters, places and experiences gathered in my three previous Seychelles visits.

There are still quite a few tales untold and many delightful moments to share. But for now I decided on sharing with you an idea which has been milling around in my head for several days: a visit of “Lounge 8” at Glacis, on the island of Mahé.

Crude wood, corals, a tall mirror, assorted furniture and cushions, the whole of it caressed by a dimmed light: Welcome to Lounge 8, where the decoration forms part of the ambiance.
Everybody who has ever been here keeps telling about this particular and unforgettable place, which Joëlle and Jean-Baptiste have created by magically transforming former Vista Domar. As Joëlle repeatedly mentions to any eager visitor, the place extends its magic particularly after night fall.

Coming from the world of fashion (her) and that of architecture (him) to join forces in the restaurant business, Joëlle and Jean-Baptiste are an expatriate couple who with this project have fulfilled their longtime desire of owning their place in the sun; on a magical island in the Seychelles, which which they simultaneously fell in love at first sight.

copyright Seychelles Tourisme

One surely understands that, as indicated in the name, the number 8 has a special significance for the owners, creators and decorators of Lounge 8.

“We opened our doors on the 8/08/2008 at 8pm. And we offer 8 tables, 8 beds on the first floor and 8 homemade cocktails” explains Joëlle, a former fashionmodel for Dior, Gaultier, or Galliano, just to name a few.

So the lounge has been open for a year, ready for all those eager for an out of the ordinary culinary adventure. Such as Seychellois Jo and Guillaume Albert, the former president of Mancham and other regular visitors. The place is not just another crazy idea, but really someting that has clearly proven to be on demand by the globe-trotting clients in the archipelago.

There is no written menu, just something called “le menu surprise”.

“For 35 Euros, you get a glass of champagne and a five courss meal” confirms Joëlle, who terms the cuisine to be refined and researched.

But be assured that the surprise-menu is not the same every day: “As we are open seven days a week, we change our menu every second day” emphasizes Italian-Zairean Jean-Baptiste, while serving a Buddha Sweet, one of his home-made cocktails based on sugar cane juice, mint, vanilla, brown rum and lime.

Joëlle and hubby Jean-Baptiste can also be found behind the cooking pots. And let me tell you, they are really into making you discover new and tasty recipes. A creamy hot pepperoni soup for instance, saffron-tiramisu, sushi with foie gras, or chocolate-chicken (derived from a Mexican recipe). And as a dessert, assorted sweets in hibiscus sirup, mango, lavender or blueberry cake are offered.
Joëlle will go to great lengths to accommodate those eager to enjoy a cuisine low in calories. Such as: “A delicious locally flavoured cabbage soup, couscous salad with parsley, steamed fish, and seafood in green-tea with a drop of olive oil.”

This certainly extravagante culinary experience might or might not be liked by everybody. However, if you’re looking for a place to eat, be advised that contrary to local Seychellois custom of closing the kitchen at 22h, at the Lounge 8, they take your order until 22h30.