There is something for everybody in this gastro Aladdin's cave
If you want to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs then Ribérac is a good place to be. As the money markets continue on their manic roller coaster ride and the smell of burnt and buckled plastic shop fronts pervades the nostrils of the residents of Croydon, Tottenham, Salford, etc, what better place to be than Ribérac. Whilst life here is tough and the tax man seems to continually be at your door, things ain't that bad. These were the thoughts that passed through my mind as Lesley and I passed through an incredibly busy Ribérac this morning; the town bloated with visitors who were here to enjoy its famous Friday market, and at its peak, here, in mid-August.
This is one way to get your wine delivered
As residents here one learns quickly to be focused on a summer market day. Firstly decide what you want before setting off. Then make a beeline for your vendor of choice; in our case the family which sells all the various types of garlic. With a recent flurry of table d'hotes to provide for out B&B guests our garlic stocks had become seriously depleted and the supermarket variety just don't cut the mustard, some of it coming from as far afield as Argentina. Garlic bought, we headed out of the market disregarding the cafes overspilling out onto the pavements which were beckoning us in.
The shelves are lined with some great ideas for gifts
Instead we made our way to one of our local favourite shops, a veritable cornucopia of all things regional to cover ones needs in the food and drink department. "Cellier du Perigord - Vins Fins - Produits Regionaux" - purveyors of some unusual and interesting wines and liqueurs, vinegars flavoured with unheard of verdage, mustards infused with truffles and the like, delectable packets of biscuits containing a variety of nuts, pastas to suit all tastes, sauces, confits, jams and olive oil and local wine sold by the litre - bring your own bottle to fill up if you want some everyday drinking wine.
Top quality produce from various regions of France
Mme et M Poumet have a wealth of knowledge on most local produce
Don't be afraid to ask for advice, I enquired of M. Poumet about the benefits of a Côtes de Bergerac over a Pecharmant whilst Lesley asked the eversmiling Mme Poumet about the best way to tackle 'cepes' which we had seen beautifully displayed outside at 18 euros a kilo. Mme was happy to oblige, explaining that the crop was about a month early in this crazy year of 2011, advising that one simply wipe them well, cut them up and then fry them gently with a good portion of chopped garlic and fresh parsley.
Cepes, just add garlic and parsley
Laden with our goodies it was time for the short stroll home and the business of lunch. Following Mme et M. Poumet's recommendation we soon had the frying pan on full of sizzling cepes and garlic. A few minutes later, our glasses charged with a 2007 Côtes de Bergerac we were ready for our Friday lunch. Bon Appetit!
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