Beauty Shout Box: PLAT DU JOUR

To those that read my blog regularly you will be fully aware of how much I love my food and there is no mistaking that to eat out in France is expensive,

but affordable dining can be found.

As with any country in the world the best places to eat are where the locals frequent and whilst they may not be fancy restaurants, they do have the authenticity and character that is often more charming and often cheaper.

French eateries are renowned for their Plat du Jour, which literally

translated means a "plate of the day".

This special "menu" for the day usually consists of a two or three course meal and often uses the freshest, local, seasonal produce available.

In France the main meal of the day is taken at lunchtime and most rural towns and villages will close between 12-2pm and the restaurants take centre stage and are often a hive of activity, whilst the rest of the town hibernates for those two hours.

On previous visits to France I have tried several Plat du Jours and generally have never been dissapointed and today was no exception. The Como Bistrot in St Junien had been recommended to us by a local and as we approached, the car park was full and we knew we were onto a winner.

The large Bistrot was already busy with locals and we were seated quickly.

The starter or entree, was a help yourself salad and cold meat buffet, which had a great selection of saucissons and salamis and was a meal on its own,

but much more was to come.

The main course was sautéed Veal with carrots and even though it didn't look appetising it was delicious, the veal was so tender and the garlic tossed carrots were a great accompaniment.The lack of a starch really wasn't missed and made for lighter eating.

The dessert was Choux Chantilly, which was a huge Choux pastry bun filled with a perfectly sweetened Chantilly cream and again was delicious.

By this time we were way beyond full, but we had take nearly two hours to eat our meal and yet more was to come. A platter of local cheeses were placed on our table to round off our humongous lunch and of course we had to try the varieties of soft, hard and goats cheeses as we didn't want to offend.

Prices do vary, but this Plat du Jour was €13 (Approx. R188) and the coffee was an extra €1 (approx.R14.50) and was excellent value!

FYI...

I did feel very sleepy after, even without wine...and yes I did have an afternoon siesta.....and I didn't eat dinner!

Here are some tips:

Normally the menu is displayed on a chalk board outside the restaurant along with the all inclusive price. I advise that you read or ask for a translation before deciding on whether to eat there or not, as you don't have a choice, as what is on the menu is what you get and if you don't enjoy Duck or veal for example, then move on.

If the restaurant is not busy, then also move on.

The portions are generally "Man" size, as these Plat du Jours are generally eaten by business men and workers alike.

Remember this is not fast food, so take the two hours to enjoy your meal and soak in the vibey local atmosphere.

Free carafes of water and baskets of French bread are always on the table and filled up frequently, but beware that the carafes of the local wine on the table may be charged for.

Be warned, that even though it's far healthier to eat a large meal at midday, it can leave you feeling sleepy, especially if you have had a couple of glasses of the local vino.

Expect the unexpected, as some combinations of food are not maybe what we are used to, but go with the flow...after all you are in France!