Encore at Le Diabolo~Fraise (Cartes Postale de Nabirat)

A must for us on every visit to this area of France is the "Cafe-Restaurant Le Diabolo~Fraise".

As always we were not disappointed, everything is still made in house with fresh local products.

The restaurant was decorated with fresh flowers and many of Fred's artistic works which included several new pieces.

Cathy welcomed us warmly with hugs and kisses. Even got to see her lovely grandson!

We enjoyed a delicious "déjeuner"  beginning with a most aromatic vegetable soup ... served in an urn!

As you can see we put a big dent in the bowl, it was so good!

A starter salad plate of charcuterie, white asparagus, homemade sauces one a pesto and the other having a mustard pickle flavour.

The main course today was roasted chicken, potatoes, vegetables with the added kick of chorizo and other fresh herbs and spices.

It was an explosion of flavours in your mouth!

And dessert ... what can I say my sweet tooth was thoroughly satisfied with this sweet treat.

A most delicious flan, strawberry coulis and raspberries.

And oh yes, there was the cheese course, red wine and coffee all included.

Merci beaucoup Cathy and Fred!

This is one of Fred's latest works ... called Spring and Autumn. Each piece tells a story!

What is a "Diabolo Fraise"? 

When I first heard it I thought  it was a "strawberry devil" but it is a French term referring to a strawberry flavoured, carbonated drink that is popular in France.

The restaurant is located in the small village of Nabirat, Dordogne region of France (not far from the town of Gourdon).

This is where we had a magic day May 8th, 2012 ... you can read about it in the post titled "Strawberries and Walnuts".

Also, Cathy and Fred do special themed evenings usually once a month, we were privileged to be able to attend one of these in 2013. Again if you'd like to read more look at the post titled ..

"Dolce Vita à Nabirat" dates May 19, 2013.

A bientôt... Cathy et Fred!

Wishing you continued success!

A Zig-Zag Day in Gourdon and along the Lot River!

Today (Sunday May 3rd) we headed to the medieval town of Gourdon ... we wandered / zig zagged through the narrow lanes that were familiar to us.

A bit of a memory tour as this was the town where we first did a long stay in France. 

We had rented a cottage "5 rue Marsis" for three months in 2012.

The Church ...

   

                            

           

    The street that we walked every Satruday morning to the market.

          

   

Time for a quick coffee at "La Promenade".

One more zig and zag round the main Boulevard to meet the "Belgian Connection" for Sunday lunch at Le Pot D'Occitain... 

                 

Pretty, colourful tables waiting to greet the patrons ... and it was a warm enough day to eat alfresco!

   Lunch was delicious ... I chose the plat du jour - a succulent white fish and my Honey decided to try a "French" burger with his "French fries". 

                      

                               

Not much has changed ... a few new restaurants that may be worthy a try on another trip.

After lunch we went for a drive to a new area of the Lot Valley. 

We hoped to find our friend Laury's home so that we could surprise her with some photo postcards of her French home.

Mission accomplished ... we found it!

               

                 

    

               

A different route back to Dégagnac found us driving through tunnels on twisty roads along the river banks.

Hope you enjoyed our "Sunday" drive.

Return to Dégagnac!

Our week in the Lot Valley was split between our "French Connection" and "Belgian Connection" friends.

Today we went to Dégagnac to visit with Madame M. & Monsiuer Guy for a couple of days.

If you remember, Dégagnac is the small village / home to the cottage "Beaucalliou" that we rented and the setting for our Postcards from the Lot in 2013.

We enjoyed a walk in the wilderness (actually the countryside) amongst the wild flowers and animals.

    Beautiful wild orchid ...

                   The "Lion King" is still on guard ...

                 

More orchids ... today we did not see any white ones!

   Grazing cattle ...

Non, non Monsiuer Honey that is not my dream house in France ...

Maybe this one ....

At one point I thought we were back on the "Camino"!

A delicious dinner was enjoyed at Les Acacias ...

where Mdme. Clare joined us and provided an interesting starter salad of scallops, coulis of tomatoes and peppers (a Basque recipe that I will have to get).

And Madame M. made her homemade Belgian "frites/ frietens".

Tomorrow ... going to Gourdon and a mystery tour along the Lot River!