In what feels like a lifetime ago, I spent a year living in rural France. Sadly, on an assistant teacher's salary, those famed French gastronomic restaurant meals were something of which I could only dream. But once in a while, I would be invited to Sunday dinner at a colleague's house, an event I perpetually looked forward to with delight.
A recent lunch at La Cantine du Bricoleur in downtown Kumamoto had the effect of transporting me right back to those days spent around French farmhouse tables. While many eating establishments today are going the route of "fusion" cuisine (to delicious effect, I might add), La Cantine du Bricoleur managed to serve up an authentic taste of the country I miss so very much sometimes.
It's possible to order a la carte, but at 1890 yen for the lunch special, it's silly not to go with the set meal. Lunch comprised four courses and utilized local ingredients in traditional French preparation. First up was the amuse-bouche (or appetizer plate) - a hearty smoked salmon and potato quiche with anchovies served next to a peeled tomato with a white balsamic dressing. This was followed by a sizable salad, using locally-sourced vegetables that were tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. I smelled the main course even before it was presented to me, a perfectly roasted chicken rubbed with rosemary that practically melted in my mouth. It came with a selection of roasted vegetables - ranging from okra and carrot to potato and pumpkin. I tried to hold back in order to save room in my stomach for the crusty roll that accompanied the large plate, but somehow I managed to find room for it all. I couldn't pass up on dessert either - a fresh peach and almond cake with a small scoop of ice cream and a cracker-sized morsel of chocolate muesli.
The restaurant offers both tables and a counter, so single diners (which I was that day) need not feel uncomfortable. There is also a terrace for those who enjoy eating al fresco.
There are no English speakers or English menus available, but I found the staff to be extremely helpful nonetheless. Course dinners are also served - simply choose according to how much you want to spend. La Cantine du Bricoleur is open from 11:30am-3pm for lunch, and from 6pm-10pm for dinner.
If you are looking for that authentic taste of France or just a solidly filling meal, look no further than La Cantine du Bricoleur.
