Lisbeth has been to the Salle des Fête today for a meal: always a delight and so French. The start time was 12 noon, but people arrived in dribs and drabs over about an hour with lots of standing around talking and kissing on both cheeks. It really is a nice custom as everyone is in physical contact with everyone else and you get to speak to everyone either a lot or a little.
The kissing, as a greeting thing, can be a bit nerve racking and not just for the English, apparently. Our French friend from Paris says she that even she isn't always sure what would be appropriate in terms of how many kisses: two, three, four or more? In this part of France, with people you don't know, you usually start by shaking hands, then move on to two kisses (one each side). Although if you're female the men often go for the two kisses straight away. With some people (you're never sure which ones) it can progress (you're never sure when) to three. If you get to be really good friends, it's four (alternating sides) - but not always! But I digress. They sat down to eat just after 1pm.
The meal:
The kissing, as a greeting thing, can be a bit nerve racking and not just for the English, apparently. Our French friend from Paris says she that even she isn't always sure what would be appropriate in terms of how many kisses: two, three, four or more? In this part of France, with people you don't know, you usually start by shaking hands, then move on to two kisses (one each side). Although if you're female the men often go for the two kisses straight away. With some people (you're never sure which ones) it can progress (you're never sure when) to three. If you get to be really good friends, it's four (alternating sides) - but not always! But I digress. They sat down to eat just after 1pm.
The meal:
- A selection of Canapés with Kir (Cassis with white wine)
- Smoked salmon on a bed of lettuce
- Croque St Jacques (various small sea creatures in a sauce)
- Poire sorbet drenched in Poire Eau de Vie
- Sanglier (wild pig) with potato croquettes, roast apple and roast chestnuts
- Lettuce in vinaigrette dressing
- Selection of Cheeses
- Dessert - Lisbeth doesn't know what it was, exactly, other than to say it was a slice of a long gateau made with cream, ice cream and a fruit sorbet , either strawberry or raspberry or something similar.
- Coffee and chocolates.
- Brandy
All served with an unending supply of white wine for the earlier courses and red wine with the latter ones and as much bread as required.
The cost?...............Free, if you payed 11euros to join the club.
Do you really need to ask?
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