VILA CHAUMIERES

This resort, away from the lights and pounding music of town central, surrounds you with quiet! After walking along meandering jungle paths from the parking, a bright glow beckoned to us.  Warmly greeted by our hostess, we were led to a thatch covered open-air terrace with an intimate, romantic atmosphere, where couples and small parties murmured in quiet conversation.  We were seated overlooking the flood-lit lagoon and its backdrop of trees.

          Vila Chaumieres is the second oldest eating establishment in Port Vila under the same management.  When Colin came 22 years ago, there were only the bungalows. His key staff members are loyal; the Chef has been here 18 years, the Maitre D, 17, and some of the servers are long time faithfuls.

          The menu emphasizes seafood, then beef and chicken.  Our dining companions were sad that Coconut Crab was not offered. (Personally we feel these declining land crabs should no longer be served by restaurants anyway, and hope this is a permanent responsible move by the house). The house Coco Chaumieres cocktail was yummy and original - not heavy, but light and bubbly.  My starter, the French Onion Soup WAS intensely delicious and rich, the onions sweetly caramelized but I was disappointed in my Queen Scallops in Garlic Sauce.  They were somewhat chewy and bland.  The sauce was creamy but lacked intensity and depth.  However, the rest of the party, really enjoyed their Seafood Sampler starter, Beef Wellington, Beef Fillet with Peppercorn Sauce, and Chicken Lolo, a very photogenic platter of spicy sauced chicken morsels in a coconut half shell..

          Vila Chaumieres is apparently a long standing favorite in Port Vila.  The serene natural tranquil setting is priceless.  They feel that they have a formula that has worked for over two decades, and see no need for any tricky new gimmicks.  Prices range: Entrees: 680-2300vt, Mains: 1700-7000vt, Desserts: avg 800vt.  Phone:22866

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