Why France is great

Around a month ago I popped out to France to look at some potential chalets (thinking ahead to winter 2011/12 rather frighteningly!).

As I arrived in the resort it was clear that everyone had shut up shop; ski resorts tend to be dead in early June even if they have a summer season kicking in a few weeks later. There was however one restaurant open. The clientele was a mixture of locals and trades people working on properties in the off season.

One guy was running the show and had devised a set menu that he could wheel out on his tod with no problems for the 30 ish covers available. It was fantastic. We sat down and a salad starter arrived with a basket of crusty bread, a carafe of very drinkable red wine and a pitcher of water.

With the salad out of the way a pierrade (a hot stone above a burner) was brought out along with a platter of beef and some superb frites. This was accompanied by an assortment of tasty dips. A while later this was polished off and the dust covered builders at the neighboring table passed across a groaning cheese board. We managed to find the space for a slice of Tomme or two.

We weren’t done yet, a chocolatey desert arrived swifty followed by a fresh coffee and we were rolled ourselves out of there just in time for our 2.30 meeting. What was the cost of this lunchtime feast? 13 Euros.

That lunch served to remind me why I love France so much. As the only show in town the restaurateur could have bodged together whatever he liked and picked up a bit of trade. Instead he worked out what he could do exceptionally well at a fair price.There was atmosphere in spades and everyone knew exactly what they were letting themselves in for.

I hanker after this kind of philosophy in the UK … although if a restaurant like that was within walking distance of the office it wouldn’t be good for my health (and he probably doubles his prices when the ski season hits)!

If you have yet to decide where to go on holiday this summer don't forget France - it's still pretty special.

Chris
www.skifamille.co.uk