L’Arcada, the confidential Bordeaux who has everything of a great

A true “pleasure establishment”, the Arcada already has everything of a great. Although the current situation has a major impact on restaurant activity, Arcada has not said its last word. If the restaurant had to close its doors following a measure put in place to fight against COVID-19 it still continues to delight the taste buds of Bordeaux. Indeed, thanks to the click and collect, it is possible to order the tasty dishes of the restaurant. Thus, the restaurant adapts to continue its activity in the best possible way.

The restaurant is housed in the old Bordeaux. Open since May 7, the midnight blue façade, juxtaposed with an old biscuit factory, blends perfectly into the décor as if it had always been the case. Its owner, Sofiane Bouhabib, is like her first bistronomic restaurant. He is attached to the essential things, including the quality of the products. The latter is anxious to revisit his own escapades and experiences, both on the dining room side and on the kitchen side. The atmosphere and decoration of the place are a tribute to the Bordeaux stone and a clean style. The place is intimate, and the place warm. The Arcada focuses on the culinary experience and taste pleasure. Within the restaurant the customer is not forced to do anything, only to let himself be guided according to his desires.

L’Arcada, a restaurant in the image of its owner

It was at the age of fourteen that Sofiane began working in the world of catering. He discovers in particular the backstage of this rich universe. Since then, he has continued to work while continuing his studies until the age of twenty-three. Sofiane combines her passion for cooking with a career punctuated by various experiences and studies in a school of communication and marketing. Thus, the owner of the Arcada accumulates experiences in the restoration until today. Enn 2019, when he opened his restaurant to live from his passion. Diver, bartender, barista, manager or clerk… Sofiane Bouhabib is a jack-of-all-trades curious about life and the culinary world.

His latest find? Cigars brought back from a trip to Cuba. The cellar? Located in the basement of the Arcada, it is intended to house 80% of the world’s wines. You can find the famous Château Pipeau, Sauternes Château Fieuzal, or Argentinian wine with Château Amalaya, produced at altitude at more than 1800 meters above sea level. Each table is invited to go down to the cellar to select the precious beverage that will delight the most curious taste buds.

Originally from Savoy, Sofiane’s footsteps led him to Australia. He has also worked in Switzerland and Biarritz on the Basque Coast. When asked about this new point of attachment that is Bordeaux, he says he chose it for his love of the region. This choice is also driven by the richness of regional products. Finally, the choice of the district in which the Arcada is located is not trivial. It is a neighborhood of “regulars”. His travels and careers have taught him to discover new culinary worlds. The result is successful, the dishes are generous, original and subtle flavors.

Through arcada, Sofiane wants to transmit and share her passion through this place of life. In the company of his team, composed of Samuel Metayer (Le Glouton, L’Assiette Bordelaise) and Théo Duprat (Michel and Sébastien Bras***), he highlights a unique menu. It consists of three starters, three main courses and three desserts. There is only one constraint, that of respect for the seasons. Reducing the card is a real will. This choice aims to offer customers a unique experience. At the same time, this allows the team to focus on worked flavors, in collaboration with local producers.

Indeed, Arcada works exclusively with a farm in Saint Médard-en-Jalles, specialized in biodynamics. The menu changes weekly for lunch, and every fortnight for dinner. Therefore, this is enough to multiply the discoveries and flavors. The dishes are also accompanied by a cocktail prepared by Sofiane in person. The originality of the cocktails is present thanks to his personal collection of bottles, which he wants to come from all over the world. Today, the room accommodates up to 35 guests to create an intimate atmosphere and a unique setting. The massive bar is the centerpiece of the restaurant. Here no element of decoration is left to chance, not even the Gironde stones and arcades. Every day, Sofiane awaits you to enjoy a 100% Arabica Rain Forest coffee. It is accompanied by delicious homemade dishes, such as a cheesecake, and iced cherries with red wine.

The Arcada Dessert restaurant

Bordeaux, the perfect place to open your restaurant

It is worth remembering today that Bordeaux is a city in full swing and constantly evolving. Located at an economic, social and cultural crossroads, the city is constantly attracting new players such as Arcada. Many people come to live there for its pleasant living environment. At the same time, more and more professionals are looking to develop an activity and find their place. Bordeaux is also the city of good eating,where gastronomy has, almost, no secrets. This gastronomic brand image then benefits the greatest chefs. Thus, the latter have opened their restaurants in the heart of Bordeaux: Philippe Etchebest with the Fourth Wall, Gordon Ramsay and the Pressoir d’Argent, Pierre Gagnaire with La Grande Maison.

While Bordeaux offers a multitude of restaurants to the delight of gourmets, it is today 1 establishment for 285 inhabitants that is found in the French capital of wine. In neighbourhoods where it is good to live and where residents have their habits, Bordeaux is therefore the ideal place to embark on the adventure of catering. It is reminiscent that in 2019, the restaurant sector is not experiencing a decline.

For professional meals or to change fast food often associated with poor food, the French rely on quality. Indeed, they also bet on the local, and proximity. Today, the French still like to eat, but want to know what’s in their plates. And it is in the idea of attracting more and more this clientele in demand, that restaurants rely on exclusivity. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight the novelties, and dare to propose original flavors. So that’s the secret to success.

While the name of the Arcada discreetly recalls Italy, the architecture of the restaurant, and this café where Sofiane went to drink her espresso before starting her service at the Petit Commerce, it is a bet that he has launched, accompanied by his two teammates. As well as its own own bar and cocktails, Sofiane, Theo and Samuel offer a unique cuisine with local flavours: supreme chicken, asparagus risotto, pig cheek, ancient vegetables. It’s an amazing mix of flavours that will invite you to finish with a sweet touch, an invitation to travel and a sure pleasure.

Sandy Penissard – Justine Angibaud – BORDEAUX Business

Contact:

ARCADA Restaurant

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-Midnight

13 rue de la Rousselle
33000 BORDEAUX

Bookings: contact@arcada-restaurant.fr

05 56 23 08 61

Sources:

Press file – the Arcada

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