Friday, July 4, 2014

Monpazier Monkeys!



Friday ... the weather was dreary, cloudy and rainy!



We said "Au revoir" to Monsiuer Guy with hugs and kisses as we delivered him to the Bergerac airport to catch his quick flight to Belgium.

        

As we drove back we were in need of a break ... we stopped in the Bastide town of Monpazier for a stroll through the streets and a refreshment.


It turned out be ... "The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia" ... no ... It was "Monpazier"!

A lightening strike knocked out all the electricity in the town ... we then enjoyed our beverages by candlelight and then the rain blew in ... 



Monsieur Honey scored another "Ricard" glass ...which we found out from the bartender are not available for direct purchase anymore and we also received a history lesson ... "Ricard" was produced after "Absinthe" was made illegal in France. 
Monsieur Honey acquired a taste for Ricard after his first taste of "Ricard" / "Pastis" last year!
It is a licorice flavoured liquor that you mix with water ... Enjoyed as an aperitif.



After the rain stopped we sauntered down the narrow streets ...


              


                        

Excitement was building in the cafés, French flags were flying high in support of their team that was playing in the World Cup tonight.

                  


I found a wonderful shop ... full of linens and kitchen gadgets, etc.


I didn't even have to step inside to be lured by the beautiful, eclectic things ...

Did Grandma go bananas?  

I couldn't resist the colourful tablecloth screen printed with monkeys and palm trees ... the colours will be perfect in our home and I think the "Grandkids" will love the "Monkeys" ... another great souvenir to remember our day in Monpazier.






Monpazier is a beautiful town ...


 
We then went to Gourdon for a light supper with Madame M. and watched the football match.
 ( Canadians call it soccer ).


Playing in Prayssac

#Prayssac#LotValley#Expats

Thursday ...


Our French Connection friends invited us to spend the day and enjoy an alfresco lunch ...

A shrimp avocado cocktail, barbecued chicken brochettes & chipolata sausages, salad, fresh strawberries and ice cream ...


The weather cooperated ... A delicious lunch was enjoyed and we also had the chance to catch up with some old friends "Ineke and Arie (the Dutch Connection) and the newest member of their family" ...

Meet Douce ...


A beautiful fresh cut flower arrangement from Ineke's garden...



Monsieur Honey used my new camera with it's 26x zoom lens to capture this Engish Robin who decided to stop by for a rest under the Acacia Tree ... see photo below of the tree.




It was a great day to spend out doors and catch up with friends that we don't see often enough.

The French Connection who we first met in Florida in 2001 introduced us to the Dutch Connection in 2004 on one of our visits to France.

Both sets of these friends now live in France full time ... maybe dreams do come true!






Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Le Diabolo - Fraise

#LeDiaboloFraise#Nabirat

This week has flown by ... 


A must on our itinerary was a return visit to another favorite restaurant in Nabirat but more importantly to say "Bonjour" to the proprietors Catherine and Fred!

If you remember this is the place we had a " Magic" day in May 2012 on our very first visit ( see post Strawberries and Walnuts ).

With so little time left, we also tried to connect with some other friends Ian and Jenny (who are also busy) ... uncertain we would meet up with them we were surprised to be able to quickly catch up with these friends.

Again it was lucky that we had made a reservation ... the "Cafe" was full!

Le Diabolo - Fraise is located in the village of Nabirat, where annually there is a "Strawberry Festival" in the spring.




Colourful table setting with flower arrangements made by Catherine.


As always we are never dissappointed with the surprise menu ... 

Piping hot homemade soup ...



A creative starter, first course ... today it was a curry infused quiche, delectable salad and dry ham...


Second course/ main ... Roasted chicken, chorizo sausages, girolle mushroom and rigitoni pasta...



A creamy Camembert cheese course ... 


The most delicious pannacota with strawberry Coulis and decorated with a kumquat... 

                

Chef / Artist Fred creates wonderfully delicious foods with the fresh produce and herbs from the garden ...
 



Cathy has created a wonderful oasis ... a garden full of wonderful vegetables, herbs and colourful flowers.



A quiet place to sit ...







Find your way to Nabirat and taste the delicious and artfully prepared meals and desserts at ...

"Café Le Diabolo - Fraise" 
Le Bourg
24250 Nabirat
Tel: 05 53 59 36 83