"Bit of a Do Number 2"

Yes we're gluttons for punishment, so we arranged to go to another "Do" last night. This one was arranged by the "The Friends of the Medieval Part of Gourdon". You may recall that we had seen an art exhibition in the old part of Gourdon and wanted to buy a painting, so we agreed to meet the artist at the meal put on by this Friends group. We met the artist but have still not got the painting, hopefully we will have it some time - things are so laid back here.

These meals are an integral part of the French summer culture. The setting was incredible; initially we went up a very tiny old street which leads to the medieval part of the town, half way up is an innocuous arch to the right, we followed where it led and ended up in a beautiful courtyard where tables were laid for about 250 guests. I was so impressed with the tables that I took a picture. Fortunate that I did, because we suddenly had a very heavy shower and the tables looked rather sad when it had finished.

That was the end of the adverse weather and from then on you just didnt realise you were outside as it was so warm. The meal, cooked an served by "the friends", was amazing:-

Melon with sweet white wine

Quercy salad - huge plate of salad with duck legs, foie gras. smoked duck, walnuts etc.

Barbecued lamb chop with a sort of baked beans

Cabecou with black pepper - the local goats cheese ( presented on a walnut leaf

and topped with walnut - remember this is for 250)

Strawberries and Cream

Coffee

Wine and Water add lib

All for 16 euros about £10

Lots of the artists who had exhibited were there so the company was very convivial and the entertainment was provided by a very talented jazz band and a not so talented "pub" band.

Feeding the assembled took even longer than usual so we didnt get home until about 1am. Nothing moves quickly in France and no one moans.