In Delray on Federal Highway, La Cigale – which translates as cicada, the noisy insect that has long been a symbol of sunny Provence — bills itself as a “Taste of the Mediterranean,” incorporating the cuisines of the French Riviera, Morocco, Greece and Italy. Restaurateur Francis Touboul, a Marseilles native, has brought together staff from all over France, be it Corsica, Lyon or the southern Basque region bordering Spain.
The contemporary white-tableclothed dining room is anything but stuffy, sporting a colorful mural across the walls by New England artist Susy Pilgim Waters. The dinner menu offers classic French starters such as Fresh Foie Gras, pan seared on brioche with a blackcurrant reduction; Escargot & Wild Mushrooms Cassolette sautéed in garlic butter cream sauce; pan-seared Veal Sweetbreads with chanterelle mushroom sauce; Frogs’ Legs Provençal braised in white wine, garlic butter and a touch of Pernod, the distinctive anise spirit.
Mediterranean flavors emerge in Spicy Calamari & Escarole, sautéed with garlic and hot cherry peppers; the Char-Grilled Jumbo Artichoke served with a side of rémoulade, an herbal mayonnaise-based dip; fresh shellfish selections. Pasta starters are featured – in Italy pasta comes before the main course – and egg pappardelle is a favorite: Order it with chanterelle mushrooms, diver sea scallops, truffle and pearl caviar, or “Telefono” style: mozzarella and sautéed eggplant, diced tomato and pink (tomato) cream sauce. Next post: Entrees!
