The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
May 6 - Relaxin' on the River

Since we originally weren't scheduled to arrive in town until today, this was like a free day and we took the chance to kick back and slow down the pace. After two solid days of distance driving, I really didn't want to get in the car again anyway!

So we lay around the house until late afternoon, watching the horses grazing across the river. One even went into the river after green munchables. I hadn't seen that before. The ducks were not too much in evidence today but I suspect we will see them again, particularly the mom with her eight tiny babies following behind. Too cute!

When we got into the house yesterday, we looked in vain for a toaster and a coffee maker. Finding nothing, I inquired by e-mail with the owner of the house (she is in Britain) and shortly after noon I was surprised by a Brit bearing gifts. Christine Conrad, local ex-pat realtor, had received a call from Alexis and brought us by the missing amenities.

I love a rapid response ... and we particularly enjoyed Christine. What I am sure she thought would be a "drop and run" turned into a 45-minute discussion of life in Provence, the state of the real estate market both for sale and rental, a brief foray into politics and a generally pleasant visit. I love those sort of surprises.

The only other significant project of the day was a run to the grocery to replenish the bread and cheese and a trip into town for dinner. As a five-year resident, we had asked Christine what spots she would recommend -- there must be close to 100 choices in town -- and followed up on one of her suggestions. It proved to be exactly what we were after. Cheap and cheerful with good food and a great ambience.

Relaxin' on the River

Bistrot de L'Industrie


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