day 552:
although it's obvious that i could go on and on and on about Provence, i promise that i will draw a line under this trip and move us back to London this week....but before i do....i just need to tell you about this amazing rasberry sorbet, incredible time with family, a wedding festival that definitely can't be glossed over and this wonderful cheese board/ rattan-tray above.......
in researching for the trip i turned to local blogs this time......they led me Le Tracteur {see day 527} and the Arles Photography Exhibition {see day 534} and wherever i landed they also raved about a particular restaurant.....Le Bistrot du Paradou.
having read numerous reviews about Le Bistrot du Paradou, the comment that stood out for me was: 'this is Terence Conran's favourite restaurant in Provence'. generally, i am in agreement with Sir Terrance's appreciation of pared down simplicity, good craftmanship, individuality, family feasts and tasty, seasonal food (this is my interpretation of his beliefs based on all the interviews that I've read over the years, rather than a direct quote from Sir Terrance himself). somewhere along the line, I also read about a courtyard at the restaurant. So, I was expecting a pared down, simpler version of Le Tracteur....do you see the emerging theme? i'm picturing sitting outside, under some trees, simple rustic tables, enjoying the set menu created by a passionate chef using seasonal produce........
again the French surprised me with how slick they actually are.....it was far more polished than i expected......and no courtyard (not sure what I was reading) so once again, i had to re-adjust my expectation of sitting outside under some trees to sitting inside surrounded by rough stone and bustle......having done this, i really loved the place. the bistro is in the village of Paradou which is extremely pretty with avenues of plane trees and the obligatory macaroon-assortment of coloured shutters.
the bistro itself, is local yet destinational, slick yet homegrown and altogether worth visiting for the amazing food. we had the above set menu which i mistakenly thought finished with that cheese tray....(alas there was still creme caramel to come....should have been a bit more civilised about the cheese)....
i've always enjoyed the French attitude of bringing the cheese board to the table....you help yourself to as much as you want...it's an adult attitude.....it expects you to be civilised.....
this restaurant may of may not be Sir Terrance's favourite but i can understand why he would like its' no nonsense attitude and robust, good food.
