- Date
- 2 December 1999
- Lodging
- Novotel Bordeaux
- Distance
- 445 KM
- Total
- 50326 KM
2 December 1999 – In France, even in the chill of winter, people dine outside, bundled up, sipping café or wine. Tonight, though, the frigid air felt too cold even for the French as the small courtyard sat empty in front of Café Regent in Place de Gambetta. No matter, wanting to observe the street life and spectacular beaux-arts architecture surrounding us, Jim and I braved the wintry weather for a late night dinner, and a thoughtful waiter ignited the heat-lamp, standing tree-like nearby.
What a dinner, too. Service was superb and food fantastic. I started with mouth-watering foie gras, arriving in an enormous portion, and Jim devoured rabbit stuffed with herbs over lettuce. Then I moved on to lamb with white beans and brussel spouts, while Jim ate cod, much healthier and highly pushed by the server. The Saint Emilion 1994 Grand Cru was perfect, particularly with the cheese plate we shared after dinner. Oh, to be in France eating delicious food and drinking wonderful wines. For years I have heard people rave over French cuisine, and now, after sampling on my own, I concur that the French really know how to eat and drink!