Coastal Virginia Culinary Awards Winner 2024
From the Nov.-Dec. 2024 issue of Coastal Virginia Magazine:
New York lost Lutèce and La Côte Basque, but yes, Virginia, there is a fine French restaurant here. At Le Yaca, a Kir Royal to commence, exquisite wines, Coquilles St.-Jacques, Dover Sole, Tournedos Rossini, puffy soufflés—à la carte or prix fixe (an exceptional value)—served cordially at tables adorned with elegant linens and just-snipped flowers is the stuff of haute cuisine dreams.
The late Daniele Bourderau transplanted it from France to Kingsmill in the 1980s, recruiting Daniel Abid as chef on Alain Ducasse’s advice. The impeccable Abid bought it in 2001, later moving it to Shops at High Street (also opening a relatively short-lived Virginia Beach version). He upholds Bourderau’s legacy, and there’s a tear-drop sculpture in her memory in the bar, the liveliest amongst the warren of intimate rooms. “It’s like Madame’s still watching over everything,” says a manager while the sound system plays “Isn’t it Romantic?” Yes, it is.
