Today was a good day for the local farmers (wine producers). They got a long awaited rain which should make the grapes much happier. We, on the other hand, were less than impressed with the cool rainy conditions, especially since it was market day in Vaison la Romaine. It was a challenge to get into town since the Circus was also coming to town and their long North American truck-trains were parked along the road into town and in the lot in which we normally park.
Despite the weather, the market was still fairly lively with a blocker truck still providing security for the walkers.
We visited our regular vendors and although Lillian was still present selling sausage, Vivian, our tomato lady, had taken the day off. Fortunately her son was working the stall and still sold us her precious tomatoes. We also made some new stops at places like the truffle vendor shown below.
The rain started heavily once market was over and we opted for lunch at Villa Antoine, outside Violes.
Alas, no outside dining today in their fabulous garden, but we still had a outstanding 3 course, 26 E, prix fixe with a nice Chateau Maucoil blanc to accompany. First course was marinated trout with garden herbs and guacamole.
Main course was a filet of pork with cromesquis (no translation) of potatoes - absolutely tasty little mashed deep fried nuggets - and a garden salad.
For dessert we had a tart tatin - upside down apple pie - with popcorn ice cream.
Following our impressive lunch we made a couple wine tasting stops, first at Lavau, right next door to Villa Antoine where we found a few nice whites - the Maucoil we had at lunch and Lavau's white Cotes du Rhone - and finally at The Belvedere in Cairanne, where we added some more reds (Amadieu, Hautes Cances) and whites (Hautes Cances and Boisson) to our collection. If you need a magnum for a party, this is the place to come.
Then it was slow time back at Chez Pigeon where the rain eventually abated. After Bite Me, we had a deli delight for dinner with cheeses, olives, sausages and maybe some white wine- very good white wine!
Despite the weather, the market was still fairly lively with a blocker truck still providing security for the walkers.
We visited our regular vendors and although Lillian was still present selling sausage, Vivian, our tomato lady, had taken the day off. Fortunately her son was working the stall and still sold us her precious tomatoes. We also made some new stops at places like the truffle vendor shown below.
The rain started heavily once market was over and we opted for lunch at Villa Antoine, outside Violes.
Alas, no outside dining today in their fabulous garden, but we still had a outstanding 3 course, 26 E, prix fixe with a nice Chateau Maucoil blanc to accompany. First course was marinated trout with garden herbs and guacamole.
Main course was a filet of pork with cromesquis (no translation) of potatoes - absolutely tasty little mashed deep fried nuggets - and a garden salad.
For dessert we had a tart tatin - upside down apple pie - with popcorn ice cream.
Following our impressive lunch we made a couple wine tasting stops, first at Lavau, right next door to Villa Antoine where we found a few nice whites - the Maucoil we had at lunch and Lavau's white Cotes du Rhone - and finally at The Belvedere in Cairanne, where we added some more reds (Amadieu, Hautes Cances) and whites (Hautes Cances and Boisson) to our collection. If you need a magnum for a party, this is the place to come.
Then it was slow time back at Chez Pigeon where the rain eventually abated. After Bite Me, we had a deli delight for dinner with cheeses, olives, sausages and maybe some white wine- very good white wine!
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