Mille Fleurs Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe has been a favorite of mine for many years. It is a high-end place that is elegant and soothing. That may seem like a funny word with which to describe a restaurant, but let me explain.
I like friendly restaurants, whether it be a neighborhood bar in Boston or a 5-star eatery in Rancho Santa Fe's beautiful village. Because the restaurant is off the beaten path for tourists, there is always parking nearby. As I walk in, Marco, the maitre'd, welcomes our party by name. He has a firm handshake, and I am glad the pandemic has limited us to a fist bump.
We sit outdoors on the tastefully decorated patio, and our server and his assistants arrive immediately. Most are familiar to me. The waiters are very professional and know food, wine, and service very well. They are friendly but not intrusive. We order excellent drinks. No one rushes us, and at some point, our server appears with the menus.
The meal proceeds like a trip down a lazy river on a summer's day. We are part of a process that envelops us. We feel good, are friendly, and the staff responds. We are having a meal but more. We are part of an experience that is fun, relaxing, and creative. Success can't happen without cooperation by the entire team, consisting of waiters, bartenders, Marco, the chef, and us patrons. When the team syncs, magic is created.
Mille Fleurs is expensive, and for most of us, it is a special occasion place. Years ago, Vicki and I came to the restaurant for a small birthday party. We were a week early. What did we do? You guessed it, we had dinner and came back the next week!