Hidden delights at Le Kaïku, St Jean-de-Luz, France

I made reservations early and we apparently got the last table for four. Who would have thought that St. Jean-de-Luz, a small fishing town would require advance booking for their restaurants. It is a 15 minute drive from Biarritz, and like the other small towns in the region - St. Jean-de-Luz also had its own charm.
We walked around the bustling, cobbled streets, and slowly made our way to Le Kaïku. It is hidden away - a step or two below the pedestrian path, with a small sign and menu board outside, which is so obscure you'd probably walk past it.
Again, not a huge restaurant - but one with an open kitchen and a clientele that ranged from young couples, to more mature couples and young families in between. The restaurant only serves one seating at lunch - and I cannot count the number of people that were turned away.

I have to say that my daughter and I were the ones who enjoyed our meals the most, with reviews of 'just ok' from the rest of the family. I was thrilled with the amuse bouche - I love everything about this region's restaurants and their tasting morsels - of a crème of foie gras, savoury bread and a cream of foie gras, together with a mousse of pea.  We shared a foie gras plate, and followed it up with grilled fish, chicken served on polenta, and braised chicken. We passed on dessert, opting for takeaway macaroons from Maison d'Adam - St. Jean-de-Luz is where the patisserie house originates.

Amuse bouche plate of foie gras mousse, crème and savoury bread.

Pea mousse topped with cream.

Braised pigeon. 

Chicken breast on polenta.