Monday 3 May 2010

Some more eating out recommendations...


Although we were very busy over Easter we found some time to try another restaurant. All work and no play and all the rest of it, anyway, it is our duty as caring owners to test out more eateries for our guests' benefit!

Le Moulin des Saules is just 10 minutes away from White Shutters in Pouzou near Les Eglises d'Argenteuil, although the mill is a little tucked away outside the village so take a map. We booked a table for two, although children are welcome this is nice for a more refined meal out in the evening. We booked for the last night of our holiday at Easter, although the moulin is open for lunch too at the same prices we believe.

Although a la carte is available, as ever in France the fixed price menu was far better value, a choice of 4 courses for €27, €33 or a discovery menu around €45 from memory, 3-4 choices per course. We had the €27 version, and very tasty it was too. The starters were amazing and huge portions too, thankfully the main courses were not proportionally larger. Everything was imaginatively and elegantly served, with nice touches like amuse-bouches. The cheese board was outstanding, and left on our table. Our only criticism was that the wine menu starts at €20 a bottle, a house carafe at a more reasonable price would have been appreciated! after all I cannot cook like that, but even I can open a bottle of wine in seconds....no skill required for that!
It was a relaxed evening, we had a window seat overlooking the mill race, meadows and terracing area around the swimming pool. The sunset was very dramatic. The mill workings have all been restored and visble inside the restaurant.

So persuade other members of your party to babysit the children and take it in turns to have a couples night out here.

Le Moulin des Saules is open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday nights for dinner, although check as it may be different in high season.

05 46 59 98 53

Somewhere else that comes highly recommended as great value for a week day lunch is in La Paille, a nice cycle ride on quiet roads from White Shutters, unfortunately we tried a Tuesday lunchtime when they are shut, duh. Hopefully next time!