Now we know that France, as
with the majority of European countries,
is known for its long lunch breaks. We
also agree that there is nothing more frustrating than being out in the car and
deciding to pop into the local DIY store to pick up that tube of sealant that
we have been meaning to get for the last
three weeks, only to find that they have been closed for 10 minutes and will
not open again for another hour and 20; but there is a very good reason why
......
Lunch is sacrisanct here and
today has been a very good example. We
met friends, some French some English, for a Routier style lunch in one of the
many bistro bars in the commercial areas of St Malo. When we arrived the place was heaving and the
majority of customers were the many local artisans who fully expect to take
their two hour lunch break , whoever they are working for.
So remembering the many
lunchtimes when I just managed to dash out of the office, run into the nearest
Marks and Spencer, buy a sandwich, a salad and a soft drink (for probably close
to £9) run back to the office and start working again immediately, I appreciated one of the many reasons why I
moved to France.
After a couple of cider aperitifs, we sat down to a meal that for me consisted of:
Rillette de Viande
(a soft and delicious potted
meat served with cornichon and a slice of local saucisson sec)
followed by .....
Jambon Roti avec sauce
madeira
(one of the thickest and
most tender slices of roast ham with a rich and piquant sauce)
served with mashed potato
served with mashed potato
followed by .......
A delicious selection of
rustic cheese with one of the best goats cheeses I have ever tasted.
followed by ........
A rich creme brulee and
coffee.
A caraffe of red wine that
seemed to be filled as soon as it was empty and all for 11€20 (at todays rate
about £9.50).
Marks & Spencers
deservedly have a reputation for a quality pre-packed sandwich but mixed with the excellent company, I know where
I would rather be........
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