Restaurant Le Dauphin - Montséret

The holiday feels like a long time ago already, and the weather here isn't helping. I sat out in the sun for 20 minutes today, determined to top up my tan a bit. This was after a heavy shower, and it didn't last -the clouds gathered up again and I haven't been out since. It's brightening up again, but at 7 pm, it's a bit late to go to the beach. So, here I am, writing a few words, while Brendan is getting dinner organised.


Brendan cooked a lot of the time, but we also tried out a few of the restaurants in the area. Since the fire in Le Relais, Montséret has only got one restaurant - Le Dauphin. We had seen it last year, but were reluctant to try it, as you can't see the dining room until you've gone into the courtyard. It's only open at lunchtime, you have to book ahead, they don't allow dogs, and they don't take credit/debit cards. A good few restrictions indeed, but after we saw a dozen local cars (including a few big cars) parked outside on a Sunday, we decided to give it a go. If it was good enough for the rich locals, it would have to be good enough for us. We were not disappointed: the food was good - simple, fresh country cooking, and amazing value @ €20 per head. Here is what we got:

• Apéritif - Ricard or Kir
• Jambon du Pays (a big thick slice), foie gras and smoked salmon
• Grilled gambas (5 each)
• Lemon and Peach sorbet
• Roast beef, pepper sauce, green beans
• Choice of 3 cheeses
• Poire Belle Hélène
• A bottle of red wine
• A bottle of white wine
• Water
• and bread of course

You can't beat that for value. Everything was fresh and tasty, simply but well prepared. The slice of cured ham was too thick for my liking (though I have to admit I ate it all), but everything else was very good. The kind of place you can still find in France, and definitely not in Ireland!