If you haven’t visited Le Shak, you really should. The charm of this East Coast favourite lies in the fact that it feels completely uncontrived; the sort of place you discover with delight, rather than somewhere that clamours for attention. Tucked away near The Crane in St. Philip, it has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit; it isn’t formal, and it isn’t flashy, just easy, sociable with a big personality while also being a little eclectic in the way only an owner-run business built on passion can be. It’s clear from the moment you arrive that the owners, Chef Jean Jacques Carquillat and Annalisa Russo, and their staff, and kitchen are all genuinely invested in both you and the experience.

The food and menus reflect that same authenticity, offering classic French technique made with fresh Caribbean ingredients. Le Shak is lively, full of personality, and exactly the sort of spot you hope to find: relaxed, genuine, slightly quirky, full of flavour, and completely itself.

We started our evening with homemade chicken liver mousse, served with apple confit and warm, freshly baked sourdough bread.

From there, we progressed onto a delicious pan-seared striped bass with vegetable ratatouille, a duck confit with new potatoes and apple vinegar (and a honey-and-garlic sauce), plus the fresh tuna catch, and the burger, which, in itself, has a bit of a cult following. We ended with a wonderful, perfectly warm tarte tartin.

No meal would be complete without wine, and although only two of us were drinking, we chose an indulgent bottle of Domaine Pierre Vessigaud Pouilly-Fuissé Vielles Vignes. It was the perfect choice, a wine designed to be rich yet extremely drinkable, with a beautiful balance that showcases its careful craftsmanship. It is powerful and bold, with a lovely mineral freshness typical of Burgundy.