“The idea is simple,” they tell me, “we’ve sold French food to Americans for years, and today, leveraging that experience, we’re offering authentic American burgers to the people of Nice, in a setting and ambiance typical of the West Coast, as if you’re stopping for lunch along the famous Pacific Road Highway!”
Bingo! From the decor to the menu, everything is there, including a few words of English that our two accomplices from Nice can’t forget after nearly 15 years spent across the Atlantic. All under the benevolent gaze of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, who adorn the superb counter.
Le Blast is new, chic, and friendly; therefore, it’s for me! You can meet there from 8 a.m. to fuel up on energy and good vibes with their famous very hearty pancakes, or at noon for their generous fajitas, or perhaps a giant salad. For the lunch break, I decide to get a higher view. Here I am comfortably perched on one of the bar stools, feeling like I oversee the street while the market winds down peacefully, missing nothing, especially not the delights that reign on my plate!
From 6 p.m., the mood shifts to aperitif time, as homemade tapas gradually spread across the tables, it’s hard to find a free spot indeed, by 7 p.m. the terrace is packed! A little hungry? For me tonight, it will be the delicious homemade burger, fries and salad included, that Guillaume, the head chef, prepares like no one else, while I leisurely enjoy the view of the Château waterfall. I am comfortable here… a small bubble of tranquility and pleasure. A tip to enjoy the burger even more? It’s much better with your fingers!! That’s it, I’m diving in!
But Le Blast also has an upper floor decorated with care, Philippe and Lionel have made sure of it. For that, they did not hesitate to entrust their establishment to local artists who are both creative and perfectionist. The beautiful upper room, vaulted and finely dressed in purple, with its dedicated bar, is ready to host the best musicians, under the watchful eyes of the famous Blues Brothers painted on the walls. “Rawhide” is not far off, and something tells me that Clint Eastwood would feel right at home at Le Blast.
You’ve understood it; this soulful essence that forges all its character and charm to a venue and gives it a real identity, Le Blast certainly has it. However, what Le Blast lacks, at the moment, is a permanent late-night closure authorization. Midnight and a half is a bit early, especially in summer. But Lionel and Philippe reassure me: “the administrative formalities are in progress, with proof being an authorization to close at 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.” It’s still better than nothing.
Plans? These two are full of them! For instance, on August 10th next, Le Blast will host a live radio show for the first time, SENSATIONS LIVE. Hosted by Angélique and Marc. Two hours of show, surprises, and gifts, calling all enthusiasts! And this is just the beginning. The upcoming opening of their website will keep me informed of all the wonderful surprises that Le Blast has in store for me! To be in pole position, I’ve already given them my email, just by filling out a form that I dropped at the bar on my way out. Simple, practical, effective! Pure pleasure, since you have to know!
Anything to add, Philippe? Oh yes, big kisses to his daughter, the sweet little Charlotte, whom the whole editorial team at Nice-Premium also sends their warmest regards.
