5 /5
Reseña
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★
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Aux Sablettes is a few kilometres outside Tournon, but very well placed for the several camp sites and small hotels on the route de Lamastre, and only a 20-minute walk from the Train de l'Ardèche and camp sites on the opposite bank of the river Doux. Looks quite glam and glossy from the outside; rather more homely inside, the kind of atmosphere that puts people at their ease. The proprietor and his wife are chef (with the status of Maître Restaurateur) and front-of-house. On a glorious summer's evening (I chose the covered, but almost outdoor, terrace over the cosy interior) the pace of the meal was perfect: leisurely enough to savour the food and wine, but quick enough for a solo traveller not to get bored. I opted for the 4-course set menu at 25 Euros, which was outstanding value for food of this quality. Frogs' legs, sweet, tender and absolutely lathered in lovely garlic butter; a lamb steak in a rosemary and thyme glaze, served with a small potato pancake and a selection of Mediterranean veg; the cheeseboard; then a rich chocolate fondant served with a feather-light coconut meringue. The bread which accompanied the meal in normal French fashion was (in common with everything else) made on the premises and was of superb quality, if a little crusty for what remains of my poor old teeth.From an excellent wine list (after all, this is one of the great wine areas) I went for a half-litre bottle of Côtes du Vivarais, a full-bodied red of very deep colour which complemented my lamb beautifully. and a coffee to round it all off. For an additional 6 Euros you could up it to five with a fish course, but I was very satisfied and replete with what I had.The food was delicious and of high quality; the level of service and attention was just right; the atmosphere comfortable and relaxed. As civilised and enjoyable a meal as I have eaten in a good long while.