On our second visit to this lovely restaurant, we were impressed by the pleasant calm of the dining room, the impeccable service but most of all, the quality of the food. We shared one starter (cold crab and shrimp mousse with crispy vegetables), and then tried the salmon tartare and the Iberian pork fillet as entrees. The tartare was deliciously spiced and more than ample, as was the pork fillet (two hefty slices) served on a bed of sautéed celeriac and mushrooms. Desserts were a dream--a special pistachio financier with raspberries and strawberries surrounded by fine white chocolate mousse, and a sampler of five different tastes (blueberry creme brûlée, apple and apricot crumble, chocolate and caramel mousse, raspberry coulis with vanilla ice cream) proved too irresistible. Cafe came with small truffles--not what we needed but excellent all the same. A good variety of wines by the glass at various prices were available, and we tried a Spanish white unknown to us that was wonderful and fresh. L'Apart provided great meal at a reasonable price for these times. Yes, it is a bit outside of Challans, but directly on the route to st. Gilles, where we were headed--convenient for parking and access.
