"Let’s pick a restaurant close to the Hotel Star," I begged. Our trip was fast coming to a rainy, cold, dismal end and we did not want to drive. However, sanity prevailed, and we agreed to meet our friends at the Le Bonzia. The Star Hotel was at 2-4 Rue de la Gare, and behold—Le Bonzia was at 6 Rue de la Gare. An the back of the hotel squatted the unpretentious little Asian restaurant.
A delightful surprise waited inside. It was not just the scrumptious décor of red and orange fabric accented with black lacquer but also the dining extraordiniaire. We entered quiet elegance with cozy tables sprinkled in a dim ambience. A demure waiter seated us at a table perched on a raised level. Feeling like royalty, we whispered and wondered where the other guests might be hiding. In the hushed room, we listened to the faint tinkle of eastern music and waited for May and Jos from Bradenbourg to arrive.
With a rush of welcome, May and Jos joined us. Our hovering waitstaff instantly sprang into action with tasseled menus and bows of gratitude. Our friends were obviously not strangers to the Le Bonzia. At May’s suggestion, we each ordered a different starter and shared. Plates were set on burners in the middle to keep warm. We sampled spicy spare ribs, crusty, tangy spring rolls, and luscious shrimp wontons with caviar, all accompanied by a lively, crisp white Moselle Valley wine.
With clatter from the kitchen and a parade of chefs and platters, the main courses arrived. Crisp mellow roasted duck, tender moist chicken, robust lamb, and spicy pork all sported wonderful delicate sauces. With a stack of small plates, we passed a morsel to the person on our right and then the person across the table. Mountains of white rice and rivers of sauces complimented the meat, along with steaming platter of snow peas, water chestnuts, green onions, and peppers. Soon we had more than we could possibly finish, and the feast began, along with another of Master Jos’s selections from the wine cellar. This time, it was a mellow Rhine blush. I know, I did not know there was blush from the Rhine either.
We relax and chattered, especially about good restaurants. Jos and May own the delightful Café Op de Bakes in Brandenbourg. When they go out to dine, it is an experience. I would salute this choice. After all the indulgence, we received after-dinner drinks on the house. Did we spend enough for that, or was it just the custom? We will never know, because as we excused ourselves and returned, the check was nowhere to be seen, and May had plans for a stop at the local pub in the town center, where they did allow us to buy after-dinner drinks until closing.
Le Bonzia accepts all credit cards and debit cards. Entrees were 12 euros to 25 euros, with starters from 5 euros to 10 euros. Le Bonzia is open from 12 to 2pm and 5 to 11pm.