Centrally located on a charming main street in the center of the old town, Oh La La provides an authentic French dining experience, infused with the flavors of Colombia.  Originally located in the district of Gethsemani, the restaurant almost immediately attained a loyal following, and its clientele have welcomed its move to the inviting new quarters, which is also more convenient for tourists and travelers to the city.

Set back from the street, the restaurant interior cleverly evokes the sense of an outdoor café, with an uneven courtyard paving, a wall of water providing subtle backdrop, and even an old-fashioned white “biciclette” complete with market basket on the handlebars casually parked at the entrance.  The open kitchen anchors the back end of the room, while a large bar with traditional white wood moldings and a vine motif is invitingly placed near the entrance.  While eclectic, the décor manages to convey the casual bustle of Paris street life. 

This effusive nature is mirrored by the charm of the owner, Caroline, who personally approaches each table to visit with guests and insure the quality of their dining experience.  She confesses that she wants each person to receive exactly the food that they want, and to this end she is willing to tweak the menu, much to the chagrin of her chef-husband, who has not missed an evening in the kitchen since the couple opened Oh La La just two years ago.

Why anyone would request a special dish, however, I am not sure, as the menu offers an intriguing array of fare.  While not extensive, there is an excellent selection of appetizers, ranging from soups to a delicious tomato tarte tatin.  The crust was prepared just right, flaky yet sturdy enough to support the generous mound of beautifully ripe tomatoes baked on top.  We selected the cream of carrot soup, sparked with just a hint of citrus flavor. The soup tasted fresh from the garden.

Main courses are contained in four sections: fish, pork, beef, and vegetarian.  My companion and I each selected a fish entrée.  In a city surrounded by water, the fish is a wonderful choice – freshly caught, and prepared simply so the true flavors shine.  Here one can appreciate the French training of the chef – the sauces are exquisitely prepared, creamy, yet light enough not to overpower.

Dining at OhLaLa is a genuinely pleasurable experience. Not only is the food superb and fairly priced, but Caroline creates the ambiance of a welcoming home.  When we arrived, a gathering of friends celebrating an impending wedding was just  finishing their dessert.  Caroline had been seated with them, enjoying conversation, but hurried over to greet us.  It is this attentiveness, both to food and service, that makes  OhLaLa the kind of restaurant where you want to become a “regular.”

Kudos to avegetarianwithoutacause.blogspot.com for the soup photo credits!