An evening here begins with champagne smiles as privileged diners watch chef-owner Gilles Le Fort prepare their gourmet meal. The U-shaped bar adjacent to the kitchen accommodates the guests, who sip kir royales and nibble on homemade terrine while the master works. Chef Le Fort is the winner of numerous culinary awards, and his warm conviviality is the real secret ingredient of this unusual experience. Once dinner is served in the adjacent open-air dining room, Le Fort and his wife, Margarita, join the table, which seats up to 16. He owns the most extensive wine cellar in the bay—some 2,000 bottles of French and Mexican varieties. Three delicious courses are served (the menu is chosen by the first group to reserve for that night), followed by a presentation of fine liquors (available for purchase). I cannot imagine a more creative, social dining experience along this beautiful stretch of coast.