Whereas most individuals dream of retiring for Dominique Mancellon it was far too boring.
The gregarious French man, who’s the previous proprietor of the famend Cafe Boheme in Aberdeen, retired twice earlier than deciding that he’s simply not a person of leisure.
As an alternative, after 40 years within the native hospitality trade, the 63-year-old is again in his completely satisfied place after opening Cafe Noir, a country little French cafe in Arbuthnott Place in Stonehaven.
Specialising in “good” espresso paired with conventional French crepes and galettes – a thicker model savoury pancake – Dominique is again doing what he loves finest.
“I’m the person who can’t retire,” laughs Dominique who lives within the small coastal village of Catterline.
“Each time I inform my daughters that I’ll retire, one other alternative too good to overlook comes up.
“I get bored very simply so right here we’re at Cafe Noir.”
The creme de la creme
Rising up within the Provence area of southeastern France in a household with an enormous ardour for food and drinks, Dominique was destined for the culinary world.
And crossing the Channel to convey his style of France to the north-east proved to be the proper recipe for Dominique whose creme de la creme fame precedes him.
“As a result of I’ve been within the hospitality enterprise for 40 years I acquired to know lots of people,” says Dominique.
“There was a younger man who I used to serve years in the past in Cafe Boheme who now comes into my new cafe along with his son and grandson, so it’s pretty that you simply go a good distance again with individuals.”
Positioned within the former Shamrock and Thistle Cafe, Dominique has reworked the house into just a little nook of France.
Rustic vibes
“The cafe could be very rustic, small and delightful inside,” says Dominique.
“We specialize in good espresso so we’ve completed plenty of analysis to get the very best high quality espresso.
“One of many firms we use is Maison Dieu based mostly in Brechin.
“It’s two younger individuals who set it up and their data on espresso is phenomenal.
“Once I took over the espresso store one among them visited me and spent about six hours displaying me find out how to make the perfect espresso and educating me the precise ratio of espresso and water.”
Turmeric lattes and scorching chocolate
In addition to serving up good espresso, the cafe additionally has some extra scrumptious drinks on the menu to heat the cockles this autumn/winter.
“We’ve acquired a choice of scorching chocolate together with a white chocolate, hazelnut and chocolate flake – we alter our particular scorching chocolate each week,” says Dominique.
“We additionally do a very good chai latte, a turmeric latte and a matcha latte.”
Brewing up a very good cup of tea can be essential to Dominique.
“We now have a wide selection of tea,” he says.
“Like with our different drinks, we attempt to get the very best quality product so we use Eteaket from Edinburgh.
“The opposite one we use is Jenier, an American firm which vacuum packs tea.
“So whenever you get a supply of Earl Grey tea and also you open it up, the aroma is superb.”
French crepes and galettes
Completely paired with espresso, scorching chocolate or tea are Dominique’s selfmade French crepes and galettes.
“A galette is sort of a pancake however it’s thicker – it’s a savoury deal with,” says Dominique.
“The galettes we make are made with buckwheat flour in order that they’re gluten-free.
“Folks can select from a wide range of fillings together with a breakfast one with egg, bacon, sausage, mushroom and maple syrup.
“We even have a vegetarian galette and different fillings equivalent to smoked salmon and a Mexican one which is sort of a fajita model and a bit spicy and a Croque monsieur with French cheese sauce, home-cooked ham and French cheese.”
Seasonal elements
Utilizing seasonal produce can be an enormous factor for Dominique.
“When it’s the season for mushrooms, we and forage them in addition to wild garlic,” says Dominique.
“I shoot and I additionally fish so we use that as a part of our cooking.”
For these with a candy tooth, the French crepes are positive to hit the spot.
“With the crepes, individuals can select toppings equivalent to Nutella, strawberries and Ferrero Rocher.
“The Cafe Noir crepe is served with strawberry, banana and espresso chocolate sauce and we’ve additionally acquired one that’s made with apples with toffee sauce and whipped cream.”
Muffins and pastries
The cafe additionally has a choice of moreish desserts and pastries equivalent to croissants and pan au chocolat.
Though serving up scrumptious meals and drinks offers Dominique a lot pleasure, it’s chatting and attending to know the purchasers that’s what it’s all about for the veteran restaurateur.
“It’s a small place so it’s good to have the rapport with individuals, that’s what I used to be lacking,” says Dominique, who additionally used to personal The Previous Pier at Stonehaven harbour.
“I really feel completely satisfied as a result of I acquired this small enterprise to not turn into wealthy however to maintain me going and to be completely satisfied.
“In life, it’s good to do what you wish to do.”
A spherical of questions with Dominique Mancellon
It’s the top of the day, how do you unwind?
After a tough day within the workplace I wish to take my canines for a stroll.
Most uncommon drink you’ve ever tried?
Fernet branca (an Italian sort of natural liqueur which normally accommodates myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, aloe, and particularly saffron, with a base of distilled grape spirits).
What’s probably the most underrated drink?
Turmeric latte.
What’s in your drinks cupboard at residence?
Gin, Ricard (a liquorice-flavored aperitif) and wine.
Finest food and drinks pairing?
Muscat de rivesaltes (a candy French wine) and chocolate cake.
When you had been caught on a desert island, what three drinks can be there with you?
Champagne, Ricard and beer.
You need to make a drink to characterize Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire. What would that be?
Black velvet (champagne and Guinness).
You need to serve your favorite superhero or celeb a drink.
I might serve champagne to Alex Ferguson.
Inform us a secret trick of the commerce?
All the time give a praise to the women, they all the time select the place they go for a meal.
Cafe Noir is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For extra data try their Facebook web page or Instagram.
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[Cafe Noir serves up a slice of France to Stonehaven]
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