Valentines Day

My Valentine’s Day has not been a slushy day full of flowers and romance, although there was plenty of slushy mud out with the ducks as it has rained most of the day. As for many people, life and work often get in the way when it comes to celebrations and I struggle to remember the last time Ade and I were together on Valentine’s Day or our birthdays, but that doesn’t mean the romance is dead.

Starter buffet at Le Sporting St Romans les Melle

We treated ourselves to a meal out last Friday; a simple lunch menu in a local village bar/restaurant and it was lovely as well as being great value. For starters a freshly prepared buffet awaits your self-service and my plate was piled high with salmon, salads, prawns and more. The bread is plentiful and not a standard baguette from the supermarket. The texture of the artisan bread is firm with just enough crust and a great flavour. There were two choices for the main course, a fish and a meat dish served with either beans or mixed vegetables. We had the fish with the vegetables, which was delicious, although had we picked this as vegetarians we may have been a little disappointed as there were lardons (bacon) cooked with the vegetables. The cheese plate is then brought to the table for you to take what you fancy and then the homemade dessert of the day follows. We had a chocolate and banana cake served with crème anglaise and despite not being a huge banana fan I loved it. We also enjoyed a carafe of house rosé wine with the meal and two coffees to finish. The total price was 26€. As we are out of the main tourist season the other diners were all on their work lunch break and I was the only female in the restaurant except the waitress. The atmosphere was chatty and convivial, but not loud and everyone wished everyone else a ‘bon apetit’ as they took their seats. This is the second meal we have had here and we would have no hesitation in going back again. If you are ever in the Melle area “Le Sporting” Bar/Restaurant in Saint Romans les Melle 79500 is open for meals every lunchtime except Wednesday and reservations can be made, although we just turned up, on 05 49 27 04 16.

Fish course at Le Sporting St Romans les Melle

Tonight we may be miles apart Ade, but I love you lots and lots.