Our New Maxim For Life

We have decided, on the basis that you never know what's round the corner, that we will go to everything that we are invited to. Consequently, when our friend said would we like to go to the Chasse Lunch in her village, off we went. You will recall that the chasse are the men who spend all winter driving round the countryside in orange flourescent gear trying to catch game without shooting each other!!

We collected Alexa's elderly neighbours en route and arrived at the very plush village hall around 12.30. It was heaving, and we were given to understand that the chasse numbers are dwindling and that young people are not joining. Well there were about 150 of us who sat down to lunch - but I suspect that the majority were hangers on like us. Alexa had warned us that it would be a marathon meal for carnivores, not an understatement.

We eventually sat down about an hour later and were served an apero. A dubious sweet concoction served from washed out 2 litre milk bottles - we were to find out that these receptacles were to be pressed into use for the red and rose wine also. First course was then served. It was the thickest soup we have ever eaten, full of white beans, vegetables, bread and duck fat and very little liquid, absolutely delicious. The second course was fois gras followed by venison stew. Our stomachs then needed a bit of a rest so we were served pear sorbet floating in that lethal spirit "eau de vie". Having recovered it was time for our second main course, steaks of wild boar in a sauce with salad. By this time, 4.30, our stamina failed and we missed the cheese and dessert.

The meal was served and cooked by the men of the chasse. It was superb and we were offered seconds or thirds of everything washed down with heaps of bonhomie!! Do we have to wait a whole year for the next bash?