Sunday started like all the other Sundays here in La-Roche-Canillac, with the market in front of the church. It's a tiny market, and it got progressively smaller over the last month as the tourists left. Only a few die-hard salespeople remain. It will close at the end of October with a "fête" for all the locals.
Nanou makes us some wonderful crêpes with lemon and sugar. Her husband, the Town Crier, prepares to announce all the news and weather reports.
Each week there is a different focus, and today it was all the needlework. Women showcased their quilts, lace, embroidery, and doll clothes.
I examine a piece like this and wonder at all the hours that were dedicated to produce such an exquisite piece of lace, a special pattern from Tulle.
Quilters always have a lot in common! I fit right in.
A doll's coat made almost 100 years ago from an adult's fur coat. It was lined with satin and stitched with great precision.
We bought our fruit from this gentleman every week. I can tell you that the grapes are sweeter and tastier than any we've ever tasted! He had Muscat grapes and some very tiny sweet ones.
Once we had bought everything we needed at the market and greeted all our friends and acquaintances, we headed out for déjeuner. We went to Le Sablier du Temps in Solignac, a "suburb" of Argentat.
Along with our beer and Kir, we ate a delicious pork pâté with slices of country bread. We did not indulge in the little boudin sausages.
We both had the fish broth entrée with noodles in the bottom, and two huge prawns dipped in a sesame batter on the side.
I had the "duck à l'orange" with yam purée, zucchini, cauliflower, parsnip and carrot.
Karl had the trout on a bed of lentils with lardons on the side.
Our table was beautifully set with a gray tablecloth and pretty flowers. We overlooked a huge garden that would be lovely to sit in during the summer!
Karl had a "volcano" of ice-cream with loads of walnuts.
I had the "fig soup" with a scoop of ice-cream and graham crackers crumbled all around the plate. The crunchiness was needed because the dessert was very sweet.
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We went for a long car ride in the afternoon to get a last view of the local scenery. I'll never get used to those winding and twisty roads. Probably not a good idea to try them out on a full stomach.
Later in the evening, we started to celebrate my 63rd birthday, which is not due for another few days. Still, this was a great day to open my "gift" which was a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne. I've been wanting to try it for years, and finally this was the opportunity!
There comes a time when "gifts" like jewelry and other material things just don't mean all that much. Of course I am speaking for myself. I prefer indulging in something I've dreamed of for years and finally giving it a try.
Karl didn't want to lose one drop, and he managed very well. He graduates to the level of sommelier!
Of course if he had his sword handy he would have "sabled" the champagne. Unfortunately, it's back in Port Moody.
Big sigh.
We put together a wonderful assortment of cheese, olives, baguette and a big basket of fresh strawberries and grapes bought at the market this morning.
One sip of this nectar and I was in heaven! There were stars twinkling in my mouth!
Happy birthday to me!
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We finished off this Super Sunday by settling in front of the television to watch another episode of Downton Abbey.
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Sidebar
Veuve Clicquot Champagne is described as: Pale lemon with fine bubbles; the nose is filled with aromas of apple, pear, toast and brioche; the palate is extra-dry and medium to full body with flavours that match the aromas. - LCBO
History
Philippe's son, François Clicquot, married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1798 and died in 1805, leaving his widow (veuve in French) in control of a company variously involved in banking, wool trading, and Champagne production. She became the first woman to take over a Champagne house. Under Madame Clicquot's guidance, the firm focused entirely on the last, to great success.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot made strides in establishing her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia, thus becoming the first Champagne house to ship Champagne through the blockade to Russia in 1811. During this time, she also gave Champagne to the Prussian guards enforcing the blockade and the soldiers opened the champagne with their swords, so started the technique of sabring Champagne. By the time she died in 1866 Veuve Clicquot had become both a substantial Champagne house and a respected brand. Easily recognised by its distinctive bright yellow labels, the wine holds a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Since 1987 the Veuve Clicquot company has been part of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group of luxury brands, and today owns a controlling interest in New Zealand's Cloudy Bay Vineyards - Wickipedia
I visited the Château de Brissac back in June of 2010, and peered at the very large portrait of Veuve Clicquot. Should you wish to read up on that château, you can connect to my blog from that trip.
In the Portrait Gallery, you find this very large portrait of the world famous Veuve Clicquot, one of the great names of French Champagne. This extraordinary strong-willed and talented lady became a widow early in her marriage. Well known for her business acumen and her determination, she decided then to take over the family business and turn it into an international enterprise.
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An early Happy Birthday wish to you dear Marguerite!! Your champagne treat looked looked very romantic and special. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for the good wishes, Sonja. That champagne was awesome! I hope it becomes an annual tradition.
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