Celtic Concert at Le Caillau

Sunday, June 16th, 2013

A drive through the vineyard lined lanes and roads in the Lot Valley will lead you to .... 

Le Caillau Restaurant Café Atelier.

Le Caillau, 46700 Vire-sur-Lot, France

www.lecaillau.com

Tél (0565) 237804

This is one of our most favourite restaurants for many reasons.

It's buildings and location are idyllic and full of old world charm set amidst the vineyards providing an unique ambiance. 

Along with the French Chef, the owners Chas and Caroline have created an innovative menu using fresh, seasonal and local products and for those of us who have a sweet tooth there are the delicious, fresh baked goods and sweet desserts on the Cake Counter.

Tonight a special evening -  a "soirée musicale" with "The Rogues" a Celtic Blues Band was being held in the wonderful setting of Le Caillau's courtyard.

The weather could not have been any more perfect with sunshine and warm temperatures.

It was an amazing evening and as Monsieur Honey and I say "A Magic Time" ... 

We were entertained by the Rogues, there is nothing better than live music.

Mike Carley on the guitar and vocals and Chris Powell on the harmonica(s).

Visit their website to see where they are playing next and if you a get a chance go listen and watch their show.   www.therogues.fr  

Here's a short tape of the music... See bottom of post.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/WszFc7-NQOM

Great music, great tasting wine...and delicious food.

The menu...

A selection of tapas artistically presented on a slate tile...delectable nibbles of breaded courgettes, fresh tuna, Parma ham, dried salami, hummus, fresh pepper slices, arugula and a delicious spicy red pepper jelly/chutney....

which I think may be Le Caillau's own Chili Jam.

The main was a " Thai green chicken and vegetable curry over basmati rice which was perfectly spiced and delicious.

And the delectable finishing touch ... Strawberry tart with Chantilly cream.

 And as the sun set it was time to say "Au revoir!" to old and new friends.

Try Le Caillau for a coffee break, lunch, aperitifs or dinner, and don't forget to check out the pottery painting activities... And checkout their website for all they have to offer.

Un Beau Coq, Monsieur!

Friday, June 7th....

Today our only firm plans were a lunch reservation at Le Caillau located in the vineyards of Vire sur Lot.

We went for what I would call a "Sunday Drive"... not really knowing where we were going and what we would see.

We came across a traffic jam.... 

   Un beau Coq ...A handsome rooster.

  

After all the commotion we continued through the countryside and arrived at Chateau Bonaguil, located in the commune of Saint-Front- sur- Lémance but is actually owned by the neighbouring town of Fumel.

This Chateau was constructed in the the 13th century and entirely rebuilt at the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries. 

Chateau Bonaguil was the last of the fortified castles and has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1862.

Next a stop in Puy l'évêque, before the drive through the vineyards and arriving at our planned destination.

Lunch in the courtyard at Le Caillau Café - Atelier located amidst the many Cahors vineyards. 

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch with our "British Connection" visitors in the sunshine. 

 

Here, we met an American family from Texas who were visiting France and we shared some tips/ favourite places to visit.

"Brenda" told us about a Lavender farm not far from where we are staying and which we will be sure to visit and also a restaurant in Montcuq...which is where we are going to have lunch today (June 13th).

Le Caillau will be the subject of another post...as this Sunday they are having a Musical Soirée that we are attending...stay tuned!

After our delicious lunch, we continued thru the vineyards ...a quick stop at the Brocante in Grezels and then on to our "French Connection" friends in Prayssac for a visit.

It was another busy day in the Lot. 

"Le Petit Prince".

Today, May 8th...celebrations were held in various villages, towns and cities throughout France commemorating the end of the Second World War.

We ventured to Puy l' Évêque to check out yet another vide-grenier (oh... I know not another one, but this actually is a part of living in France, spending a day out, visiting with friends,etc.) and we later had lunch amidst the vineyards.

First stop, a coffee at La Terrasse overlooking the river and medieval town. Here, we met some old friends and acquaintances with a chance to catch up.

 

La Terrasse Rivière, 2 rue du Pont, Puy l' Évêque, France 46700

Télé: 0565536243

Creative coffee art and delicious too!

If you remember our story (Ferreting at the Fleamarket) at L 'Hospitalet..where I saw a piece of art of a young boy, but did not make a purchase...the same vendor was at today's sale....and we played "Let's Make a Deal".

My offer was accepted and I left with a beautiful portrait painted in enamel on copper of "Le Petit Prince" by the master artist Camiel Fauré of Limoges.

"Le Petit Prince"is the nickname I have given this young boy.

On the back of the framed piece, there is a label which was the starting point for my research to find out "who is this young boy?"

In handwriting, it is inscribed "Roi de Rome d'après Lawrence".

 After some internet sleuthing, I discovered that the image was derived from a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte's son originally painted in 1819 by the British artist, Sir Thomas Lawrence.

The only son of Napoleon and Marie-Louise was born in 1811 named Prince Imperial by constitution, and his full name was "Napoléon Francois Charles Joseph". 

He was also given the title "Roi de Rome" and later many other titles, French Emperor, Prince de Parme, and Duc de Reichstadt.

Here is the original portrait painted by Sir Lawrence.

Here is my Young Prince (age 8).... Napoléon II 

Tomatoes were also in order....absolutely tasty.

Then it was off to lunch at "Le Caillau" situated amidst the vineyards, and today's weather allowed us to dine outdoors in the open barn overlooking the courtyard.

Le Caillau, 46700 Vire-sur-Lot, France

Tel. 0565237804 

 www.lecaillau.com

Grilled asparagus crostini with Parma ham, capers, parmesan cheese and a mayonnaise vinaigrette.

Feta cheese and sun dried tomato stuffed chicken breast with a wild rice salad & spicy tomato salsa.

Lemon pie.

A satiated and satisfied Monsieur Honey.