Friday 31 July 2015

Restaurant at the Relais de Castelnau, Loubressac, the Lot, France



Images from restaurant web site

Offering an expansive view across the verdant valley below, the Relais de Castelnau's restaurant packs tables on to its outside terrace in the summer.  Still, the white table cloths are crisp, the wine list is long and reasonably priced, while the service is smooth. The four course set menu offers a couple of dishes per course. To start, there might be tasty langoustines (served with a salty sauce) or a mediocre soup.  For a main course, the crispy leg of duck with potatoes and stack of vegetables is a reasonable choice. But save room for the impressive and extensive cheese board, which arrives on a trolley and offers the chance to sample some fine local produce. The deserts are less exciting - the chocolate mousse is super sweet and sickly, while the pear tart is lacklustre. Although you may be surrounded by elderly Anglo-Saxons, the Relais de Castelnau isn't a bad option for a meal with a view. 7/10