One of my
favourite restaurants is hidden away in a hilltop village, with 350
inhabitants. And all along the street under the arcades flanked by a
14th century castle, and a 16th century covered market, there are mismatched and rickety tables and countless diners happy to spend a long afternoon in the dappled sunshine.
There’s no
menu. On the table, they place a big pot of soup, usually a wholesome garbure, full of cabbage, meat, beans
and goodness. The entrée is a platter
of cold meats, salad, and hard-boiled eggs, or sliced tomato, Bayonne ham and melon in summer. A
big basket of crusty bread, a jug of water, and a jug of table wine complete
the first uninterrupted hour.
The waiter
eventually takes the order for our meat. It's
served on a large platter, with garlic potatoes or chips or French beans or whatever
vegetables are in season, and probably picked in their own garden. The region provides plenty of beef, veal, pork and, above all, duck. We don’t count calories around here, but they say that the particular combination of
duck fat and red wine is the secret of the locals' longevity.
Dessert is
ice cream or fruit. The fruit comes in a huge basket with a plate
and a knife. Help yourself.
12€ for the
4-course set meal, including wine. Where is this paradise? In the picturesque village of Bassoues.
Sigh!
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