Downpour

Finally made it to the market and finally caught up with Jacques and Yaneth before they head back to Paris. While having coffee at the bar, there was a procession of traditional Catalan giants accompanied by a band of musicians. A little while later the skies opened and the rain came down in abundance.

An Excuse to Eat!

Yesterday passed predictably with Christian at the Mairie and me at an association committee meeting and language exchange. We came together at the bar for aglass of wine and ate left-overs for lunch.
Today was another story, it being "la Journée de la Gastronomie". We had lunch al fresco, opting for the more expensive menu. The food was good but at the end of the day, not worth the extra amount of money that we paid.
In the evening there was a very low-key vernissage at the Mairie which was part of a series of exhibitions and concerts being held in several villages in our valley.
There was of course, an apéritif afterwards after which we stopped on to help clear up.

Food for Friends

The sun came back yesterday and an engineer came out to fix the telephone. We didn't hang around this time hoping for it to sort itself out so normal sevice was soon resumed.
We had organised for Jacques and Yaneth to come for dinner but at the last moment they cancelled so luckily Juste and Joséphine were able to come and weren't in the least bit offended about standing in.
The Beetroot Houmous and the Almond Apple Cake were a first and I was well pleased with the result so they'll be featuring on future menus.
One or two people have mentioned that it would be good to have the recipes that I've talked about. I'm not sure about the legality of including the actual recipe on the site but here are the links:
Beetroot Humous (makes loads)
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2082/beetroot-houmous-with-crisp-pittas
Red Pepper Soup with Paprika (serves 4)
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/member-recipes/Spicy%20Red%20Pepper%20Soup%20/2799
Thai Salmon with Noodles
http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/22648/spicy-thai-salmon.aspx
Almond Apple Cake
http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/7288/almond-and-apple-cake.aspx

Yum, yum

Boules at the Ready

Yesterday was quiet, calm and wet so we spent the day quietly recovering. Today dawned brighter but cool in the wind. 16 of us from the Association gathered at the local campsite for a boules match. All went well, no one complained about the meal so I went home relieved.

Bring Out the Finery

No market this morning as we needed to get ready for Ben and Sandrine's wedding to which Gina, and Joséphine gave us a lift. The mairie first followed by the church but as Ben's parents are atheist, we went with them for a coffee during the religious bit. The weather was menacing so instead of the "Vin d'honneur" being al fresco up in the mountains we all gathered in the local village hall. A fizz cocktail and a generous spread of delicious canapés. Came back to the village and went to the bar where the ever hungry Christian had omlette and chips. We three just looked on

More Sightseeing

Had a pretty drive home in the sun, visiting Rupit on the way. A really charming village which can be accessed by a swing bridge. Had a late lunch at Mas Salelles which was as good as ever. This evening Christian had a Council meeting so life was quickly back to normal.

Happy Tourists

First of all, a leisurely breakfast then off to explore Vic where Christian replaced the wedding ring he'd lost when he'd lost weight. Visited Estany, a pretty village followed by lunch in a down - to - earth hostal. A snooze in the shade, another picturesque drive and back to prepare ourselves for the gastronomic menu.
Instead of the glass of fizz that we'd ordered, a bottle came and it didn't even appear on the bill. The chef had worked with Ferran Adriá and the meal was delicious.
Eel with a Grape reduction
Langustines and Scallops
King Prawns with a Potato and Sausagemeat Galette
Suckling Pig with Grilled Aubergine
Marquise de Chocolat with Crème catalane Ice Cream
Mmmmm!!

Us Time

I'm actually writing this on 24th October and I know at least two people have been wondering what's been happening. Sorry to have left you in the dark ... we're fine, just been busy being busy! Just read on and all will be revealed sooner or later depending on how much of everyday life gets in the way. ...........................................................................................................
Mum and Maureen left for the airport this morning but not before we had one last coffee in the bar. Got them checked in without a problem, though we found out later than they each went home with the other's passort!
Then it was time for us to have an early celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary (there you are Sheila, the answer to your question). A leisurely lunch in St Coloma de Farnes, a short drive away from the airport and we weren't disappointed. The weather was lovely and sunny and the drive to our hotel on windy roads was beautiful.
The hotel just outside Vic was full of character, the people were charming and the bedroom which had a balcony overlooking the garden, was spacious and reminiscent of Art Nouveau. We'd chosen it via the internet for it's "look" and promise of good food. The chairs in the dining room were seats from an old cinema and when conversation flagged, there were plenty of other interesting things to look at. We had the menu of the day which was far from run of the mill, so we started with a glass of fizz (funnily enough a Blanquette de Limoux was on offer rather than cava) and moved on to...
Escalivada Soup with Truffle Oil
Sliced Iberic Ham with Asparagus
Slow Cooked Beef
Tarte Tatin
We couldn't leave it there so decided to finish off with a liquer.

Fresh Air Food

Just for a change rather than go to the restaurant at lunch time we had a picnic up in the mountains. It was even cool and the views were just magnificent. In the early evening Christian had a Council meeting and we waited patiently at home in front of an apéritif before going to the local bar for a meal afterwards. Mum's treat.

Opening Day

A new bar/restaurant owned by a local caterer with a very good reputation opened today near our local supermarket . Thought we should check it out at lunch time. Purpose built with a superb view, the food was good and not expensive. Pity it's only open during the day but I suppose despite the view not everyone wants to eat out at a commercial centre! Still, it will be handy when we want to do the shopping and eat simply at the same time.
In the evening Jean and Françoise came round for a bbq but after the sausage was done but before we could cook the chicken, the gas died on us! Luckily the electric grill in the kitchen was working and all ended well.