The other old friend.. Saint Jacques

On Saturday we re-visited Saint Jacques, billed as the only true French Restaurant in Raleigh.  Again, we had not been there in ten years or so.. even though it was and still is delightful!  We went with dear besties, C and G, after going to see an early showing of Salt (which got our hearts pumping).  We were met with open arms around 8:00 and treated like royalty. Literally.  When I asked if the grilled peach salad was served with ricotta, I was instantly dubbed "princess" by our charming host.  The food was divine. C and G each had a special, which was sea bass grilled with a crust of thinly sliced veggies served atop a tomato tart with a butterflied seared shrimp on top of the little food tower.. garnished with fava beans.  I had to have the squash ravioli, and P had the veal -- all yummy.

Highlight of the evening:  We sat across from a lovely couple celebrating their 34 wedding anniversary. C and G are married 26 years this week.  As we were sipping our coffee, we noticed that all of the wait staff, the host, the chef, everyone was sort of gathered around looking in our direction.  But not at us. We turned and saw a lovely young woman lift the lid to her little chocolate tort dessert and gasp in surprise and delight. (G said, "I want what she is having", reminiscent of "Something about Mary" in the restaurant fake orgasm scene..) Then her date stood up, got on bended knee, and asked for her hand in marriage.  It was sweet.  We all clapped and cheered, much to his embarrassment. Hey, he was sweating profusely.

The only drawback to this sweet little place is that it is in Northridge shopping center on Falls of the Neuse. Just not especially convenient to us or a particularly charming place for an especially charming eatery.. Here is the info..


Lil Lacassagne grew up in the South of France, which is the World capital of flowers and perfume. His cooking was strongly influenced by his grandmother and mother. He graduated from Culinary School in Hyeres and went through a hands on training at the famous "La Calanque" in the town of Cavalere.
Lil began his career under the guidance of Roger Verge at the Moulin de Mougins and worked for several other 3 Star Michelins in Europe. He worked at the French Pavilion in Orlando, FL and spent some time in the cruise ship industry. After holding the Director of Operations position for two and a half years at the Siena Hotel, Chapel Hill, NC and four years at the Capital City Club, Raleigh, NC he finally has realized his long term goal as owner of this elegant establishment. He welcomes you to Saint Jacques, where along with his team he will do everything for you to have a most pleasurable dining experience.
Lil also does consulting work for restaurants. If you are interested in his services, please email: saintjacques@saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com
Lori previously worked for 11 years on cruise ships traveling internationally within the Purser's Department then advancing to Hotel Manager her last 2 years.  After moving to Raleigh in 1998 she worked at the the Embassy Suites at Crabtree as Director of Catering for 3 years and then Food & Beverage Director for 5 years

Saint Jacques
North Ridge Shopping Center
6112 Falls of Neuse Rd
Raleigh, NC 27609

Phone: 919.862.2770
Fax: 919.862.2771
Email:saintjacques@saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com