Chef Jacques Imperato’s French Wine Tasting Dinner at his La Côte d'Or Café in Arlington

Annette and I enjoyed an outstanding wine-pairing dinner at LCD - La Côte d'Or Café in Arlington, a quaint French restaurant specializing in traditional and nouvelle French cuisine, with the food of Chef Jacques Imperato and the wines of Ed Addiss, owner of Traditions Wine and Spirits, specializing in independent, family-owned wineries in France. 

A most enjoyable evening. French soul food at its best combined with most interesting, off-the-beaten-track wines from France. 

Thanks Jacques and Ed.

Chef Jacques Imperato

Jacques Imperato is a French Pied Noir. The Pieds Noirs are the people of French and other European descent who were born in Algeria during the period of French rule from 1830 to 1962. Almost all Pieds Noirs departed when Algeria gained independence. 

Chef Jacques Imperato was trained in Classical and French Nouvelle Cuisine. As a Pied Noir, he also has an Italian and Spanish background. 

As a kid, Jacques’ mother inspired him through her own cooking and sparked his passion for food.

After attending 2 years of culinary school in Nice, France, Jacques worked in several fine dining establishments in Nice, St Paul de Vence, and Eze Village. Before moving to the United States, Jacques worked with some of the most prestigious chefs known in the Côte d’Azur area today.

Jacques had his first experience as a restaurant owner with Chalet de la Paix at the age of 23, one year after moving to the United States. Jacques’ reputation grew when he opened and operated Mediterranee Restaurant - first in Cherrydale, Arlington, and then later in Great Falls.

After 16 years at Mediterranee Restaurant, Jacques shifted his focus to consulting before LCD - La Côte D'Or Café. As a consultant, Jacques helped to develop restaurants including Cassatt’s Kiwi Cafe in Arlington, and The Wine House in Fairfax.

Over the years, Jacques’ experiences as a chef, restaurant owner, and consultant have molded him and his cooking into what you’ll find and enjoy at LCD - La Côte D'Or Café today.