Oysters and prunes

The three of us set of for the market at a relatively early hour, but C&G were waylaid by a man from Belgium who wanted to have a discussion on the topic of white ants. These things happen here.

The market was as vibrant and fascinating as ever. My favourite stand today was a huge covered table supporting a single saucer upon which sat a black truffle which was smaller than a golf ball. I don’t know how much that particular specimen would have sold for, but the price of truffle in the market today was €650 a kilo. Makes you want to rush out into the woods with a pig and then retire. When the stallholder sold his single truffle he packed up and left to spend the rest of life on a private yacht in the Caribbean no doubt. We went for coffee and were offered scones which sounded nice. We got a bit of coconut cake and some freshly baked biscuit type affairs. I wonder what they would make of a scone if they ever saw one. Maybe there’s a business opportunity there.

I walked back to the house and had just enough time to gulp down a mug of coffee before André appeared like a vision and we walked to his mum’s house for lunch, preceded by the customary aperitif.

Lunch was truly fantastic and is completely deserving of a full description here. The soup starter was made from the stock which is a by-product of boiling black pudding, bulked up with carrots and cabbage. It tasted of peppery black pudding and was delicious. Next up, a huge pile of oysters and prawns served with hunks of lemons, shallot vinaigrette and crusty bread. You can see that in the picture above if you think I’m making this up as I go along. An excellent French chardonnay accompanied. We were then served the most tasty fish and potato bake I have ever tried. The fish tasted like haddock, but it wasn’t apparently, but it went very well with both the rosé and the local red wine on the table. Salad and cheese followed, and then a delicious chocolate gateau from the chateau served with coupes of Champagne. Finally, coffee and whole prunes pickled in eau de vie which disappeared from a large jar at an alarming rate. You can see that for yourself in the picture below. Whoever says these entries aren’t planned meticulously should eat their beret.

I found my way back on foot by following a trail of rice I had cunningly dropped earlier, while M&A set off for the airport in completely the wrong direction. If they make it to St Evenage after all those oysters and prunes it will be a flapping miracle. It's the other passengers on board the Ryanair flight I feel for.

The rest of the day was spent being very sensible and mainly writing whilst listening to Nitin Sawhney’s Fabriclive.15 album and a truly wonderful Tindersticks compilation which is my absolute current favourite and goes round on the CD player over and over again. All this despite the very generous invitation to a party this evening which I struggled with my conscience to turn down, big time. Now, if that’s not dedication to my art what is?