A TASTE OF TWO CITIES
Apologies to Charles Dickens

Visiting La Table d'Emile in the Languedoc's Marseillan is an experience of which we never tire.  Bookings are essential with the guarantee of haut cuisine and impeccable service. Located within a historic building resembling a cave, you have the option of three fixed price menus with the pinnacle being the chef's selection.

Previous complicity with Chris Paterson in going for the summit was not an option as he had returned earlier to Canberra to ensure the smooth running of Parliament.  Well, we all know how that turned out!  We six, we happy band of brothers (and sisters) thus decided upon the €33 three course option.  What a bargain!

A delicious thick seafood consommé arrives before your entree. Consumed with a straw, I had to have two helpings because Kim is allergic to crustacea ~ well someone had to.  Kim's entree of carpaccio of salmon made up for missing out.

Our main course of a rare fillet mignon was accompanied by a selection of succulent vegetables and our initial viewing of a large marrow bone ~ a fixture in traditional French restaurants.  While my companions ate delicious sweets, I partook of La Tables' piece d'resistance ~ the cheese trolley!.  Roquefort, brie, goats, hard and pimento, plus a sweet jam accompaniment.  This is what it is all about.

Chez Paul in the Bastille area of Paris boasts its menu has not changed since 1940, and it was Alicia's second visit to that week. "You have to go" she insisted, "Its so authentic."  "What did you eat?" asked Kim.   Well, it was a bit of a shock" Alicia replied,  "It was called Andouillette sausage and when you cut it open tripe explodes out of the casing!"  It was good, particularly the mashed potato.  So will you be having it again?"  "No."

"Doux escargot et six escargot, s'il vous plait, to share". Bon."  Delicious with plenty of bread to mop up the hot garlicky olive oil.  I noticed the barman was grimacing occasionally as he moved about the bar making drinks and pulling beers. It takes one to recognise a fellow gout sufferer, and he was in agony.  Still, the show must go on.

Our pepper steaks were perfectly cooked and accompanied by frites.  "Americano coffees but no sweets thanks" . "No sweets!!"  "Non, merci."