As we have already spent more than two months in this part of France (7+ weeks in 2016 and 3+ weeks so far this time) we are considered ‘experts’ on the location.

At least in the eyes of our Australian friends who have just spent over a week with us. This is their first time here.

For the past week, we have been taking them to some of our favourite places around our house sit location. Some places we have been to before, and I wrote about them then, but each visit is a different experience. My plan is to share some of the highlights and observations of these visits (even some from a Tour Guide’s perspective).

But I am going to start from almost the end of their visit as it does strengthen my case for being called a local.

Last night we took them to our local bar in Caudiès for dinner. As we walked in Marius the owner and chef, walked up to me first and gave me the double-sided cheek kiss (faire la bise) – saved for friends and family. He then did the same to Mick.  And when I introduced our friends he shook their hands.

Oh it did impress our friends that we were part of the community.

We waited for Marius to inform us of the dinner options for the evening. He has a limited menu each evening based on the produce available. He brought out his blackboard and explained what was available. And there was something for each of us.

 

Mick had the plate on the left – Coeurs de Canard – duck hearts. About a dozen of them. Which he throughly enjoyed. The rest of us ate steak or ham hock and sausage. Each was beautifully presented.

Marius is the chef, the waiter and the pourer of beers and wine at the bar. He is flat out all night. You can’t help but be impressed how he manages it.

Then the best part was the  dessert.

 

Pannecotta, chocolate pudding with salt and olive oil (in the middle and voted the best choice), and bananas and clementines (mandarines) cooked in a rum sauce.

This photo says it all. Mick loved it.

When the boys went to pay, Marius was busily opening a bottle of pink champagne and filling four gorgeous glasses, which he then handed to each of us to wish us a Happy New Year. When I told him I was the driver he assured me that I did not need to worry because there were no gendarmes on the roads I would be driving. I did have a sip but Mick was able to score another glass of wine.

It was a great evening and we really felt part of the community.

Over the next few days I will share with you some of the places we’ve been so you too can enjoy them.