We arrived in Castlenaud around 1 PM. Having driven from Toulouse, unloaded car, unpacked and assembled bikes we let enthusiasm overshadow reason and scheduled our first dinner with Darlene & Shaun and Natasha & Tony (and Dasha the hound) with drinks at our place at 6. We know the conflict of cultures so the text that they would arrive at 7 was not much of a surprise although with the long day and change in time zones it was not clear which zone our body and minds were actually in.
After a bottle of Ackerman (our local favorite bubbly for under $10) we headed down the hill to the local restaurant. To our surprise there was not a customer nor wait person in sight. It was closed but did confirm not out of business like some others in the area feeling the economic pinch.
It was time to dial for dollars (or euros) and find another place that was open and could accommodate our party of six. We took a short drive to La Rogue to find that place closed as well. It is Tuesday so what is going on?
Finally we settled on a place in Baynac which was a great find. Part of the dining area is etched out of the limestone cliff with a well in the middle of the floor. Our table was high and dry on the second floor. Good news, we have a place to eat. Bad news, it is well past our usual dinner hour and our fatigue was setting in. However, the menu was great with a variety of dishes that brought a smile to our faces. Kim had the sweetbreads and I had the bass. Both were great but the best part was catching up with the group. A lot happens in a year so we had more things to talk about than time would allow.
Unfortunately, we were so captivated that we did not take a single photo of the people or the food. Will definitely keep it on our list for a return visit. Falling asleep was easy but getting out of bed in time for our morning ride was a struggle.
Here is the photo at dinner last year ---- same crowd just one year older.
C'est la vie!
No comments:
Post a Comment