The annual Salon de Gastronomie et Vins (gastronomy and wine fair) was held this weekend in Orléans. It's held every year at the same time so that people can make purchases for the upcoming holiday season. Last year, I went with Mme. T and her husband. You can read about that here and see lots more pictures. This year, we missed the weekend, so Mme. T and I had to go by ourselves on Monday. Last year I bought way too much however this year I was much more reasonable. Another thing that helped me keep reasonable was that my credit card has expired and I haven't gotten to the bank to pick up the new one.
We got to the salon just a little before lunchtime and had a stroll around. Then we picked out a regional restaurant for lunch. We got sat (by the host) at a long table. Just as we were perusing the menu, 2 older men came and sat down next to us. They were all excited to find out they were sitting next to 2 americans. I think they were having fun flirting too. We chatted a fair amount and then went out separate ways. You can see me and Mme. T in the back. The two women in the foreground came later and must have been working a the salon because they seemed to be on a time schedule.
Here's Mme. T in front of a stand selling terrines (jarred ground meats like pâté) of various game (sanglier, biche, cerf, etc.) and ready-to-eat dishes in jars like couscous, tajine and colombo.
I bought a bottle of Armagnac-based apératif, a bottle of orange-flavored cooked wine, some spices and a terrine d'autruche (ostrich). There's an ostrich farm not too far from here but I've never been.
I was sorely tempted by the chocolate stands there, but I resisted.
11 comments:
Yum, yum and YUM....
We feel so sorry for your life there among all those bon vivants! Salut!
Such an interesting time, and amazing company. I trust the meal was a fine.
But why on earth would you resist chocolate? Cela n'a pas eu de bon sens.
The thought of what you saw there makes me wanna drool! Sounds like a fantastic plase to loose yourself and thin out your wallet. Oh but what a way to get broke.
I bet it wasn't easy to resist such a temptation, and not buy everything that was saying "Buy me!"
Thank you for the post.
I like to go to these Salons and taste test!
I love those wine fairs they are so much fun. Sounds like you had a good time. Diane
What a pleasant excuse to get out of the house!
It is always nice to see that traditional food & drink resists! I think that we need products have taste and are typical of where they come from. Vive la différence :)
I am happy that you had a fun day :)
C'est malin ! J'ai faim maintenant !
What is "Columbo"?
Happy Thanksgiving Dedene!
I knew that you'd all enjoy a little trip around French food and wine.
Nadege, colombo comes from the Caribbean and is similar to curry but made with coconut milk.
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