Odds on that when Catherine and Jacques originally planned and proposed a date for their‘Belgian Lunch’, they never dreamt that it would coincide with the first day of mass ‘Gilets Jaunes’protests throughout France where main roads were blocked. Nevertheless with members of theAnglophone Association having booked their places, with our ‘Gilets Jaunes’ on the dashboard, all made it to the event!
The other thing that this date coincided with was that it was the first day of extremely cold weather to hit Normandy, but a warm welcome met us as we arrived at Catherine and Jacques’ home, LeBretonnière. They not only have a lovely house but also have a huge barn that has been converted into a ‘Salle de Fetes’! Wine, canapés and nibbles were offered on arrival and this got everyone in party mood!
The meal was excellent starting with Chicory wrapped in Ham, followed by a Beef and Kidney or just Beef Stew with Mash Potatoes AND Braised Apples all washed down with wine, water or what ever anyone fancied. The dessert ‘Dame Blanche’ was well prepared and went down a treat with everyone,the chocolate sauce was excellent and we have to presume that it was Belgian Chocolate that Catherine had prepared to pour over the ice cream that was then topped with Chantilly.
During the meal the sun came out and many guests took a stroll in the land that surrounds LeBretonnière – the sun always adds the ‘well being’ factor and coupled with a most convivial afternoon,this date gets added to the list of memorable functions planned and held by the AnglophoneAssociation and its members. A BIG thank you to Catherine and Jacques for taking the time and putting in all the effort to prepare the lovely lunch AND for inviting members of the Association to their home.
Write up and photos courtesy of members.