Sitting down to eat in France, whether it be alfresco
dining in the garden, a formal dinner at home or eating out at a restaurant,
can be a most pleasurable experience .
While visiting the Loire Valley we suggest you should
have the 'French restaurant' experience at least once --or more if your budget
can stand it!
Don't be put off with the idea of snails, frog's
legs or tete de veau, all of which we feel you should try at least once,
well perhaps not the tete de veau! There are so many
dishes to get your taste-buds excited that even with the debate as to
whether French cooking is still the best in the world
or not, you will, for the most
part, be delighted.
Some tips:
Where?
Your choice of restaurant will of course depend on where you are
staying. If you have decided on a major tourist destination, Tours for
example, then do not expect every restaurant to be a gastronomic experience
-- you'll be disappointed! Seek out a restaurant aimed at French customers
-- lack of English translation on the menu is normally a good clue. That
said, we have eaten in many of the establishments aimed at tourists and been
perfectly happy with the service and food. If you have kids you are
more likely to find something to keep them happy in the larger towns --
though try and get them to try something different -- it will enhance their
holiday
experience, ("that'll work", we here you say!)
If your holiday choice is a rural gite or village house then you should
find that there are restaurants serving the local community -- though you
may have to drive to them. Many of these restaurants serve very good lunches
daily, though many are closed on Monday -- normally from a fixed menu and/or
buffet. Evening meals can be less predictable depending on where you are and
how much they are supported by locals and tourists alike. It is best not to
assume they will be open every evening - so check first and always book
ahead, even though you may end up dining alone if off- season or in a more remote
destination. Again if you have kids more and more villages are being visited
one night a week by the enterprising 'travelling pizza-man'.
When?
It is always cheaper to eat at lunchtime (12.00/2.30) and if you find a quality restaurant this could be the time to try it. Even for standard restaurants midweek is best as they can sometimes increase their prices at the weekends. Always book evening meals where you can and don't expect to be served before 7.30 pm. Weekend lunchtimes are also best booked in advance.
What to choose?
You do not have to take
the 'à la carte' option as most of what's on it will normally be found on
the fixed price( prix fixe) menu. In large towns or cities you will normally
be shown the 'menu touristique' but you are not obliged to take it. Although
these can sometimes be good value for money you will not come away with a
feeling of having had a gastronomic experience! Most restaurants have
English translations but those that don't are happy to talk you through the
menu --remember be adventurous.
Which wine?
This is very much a personal choice but in many restaurants this will be where a large part of their profit is generated. Don't be surprised to see familiar wines on the menu with a very inflated prices. Choice can be very much dependant on your budget but opting for a carafe
of house red or white wine is normally a good option. If buying a bottle why
not take the opportunity to try one from the region you are visiting. Many
village restaurants offer a free bottle of wine with their excellent value
lunchtime menus.
Where, when and
whatever you eat and drink we wish you
