Relais de Poste - Saint-André-De-Cruzières, Ardèche
July 3 to July 7 2024
After a seven hour drive from Reims we arrived here a little tired but happy in the knowledge that we were to be catered for that evening.
I will show you round the property in due course but, apart from being greeted by Leander and a speedy unpacking of cases, dinner for two was our first experience of the Relais de Poste.
Along with fine weather, we were joined by the two other couples in residence and all managed to generate a little polite conversation despite the huge distraction of an extended assault from rather glorious food.
Chef Sylvia had prepared a lovely meal. Experience at her French restaurant in The Hague is immediately in evidence. She has an assured touch and I imagine might now enjoy presenting her flavours in a more relaxed situation than the bustle of city dining.
Our cod starter was at once fresh and light as well as full of developed flavours. Those strips of tomato flesh were a mini triumph to accompany a perfect marriage of fish and vegetable.
The main course might easily have suffered from a slightly glutinous sauce but we were beautifully sidetracked by the perfectly cooked duck and a vibrant array of ratatouille suspects which had been speedily cooked to retain freshness and give more bite.
I didn’t make a note of the cheeses but you can probably see that we were given a fine range of milks and different expressions. Sylvia’s marmalade chutney was an inspired addition.
Dessert offered a variety of textures from soft through to crunch. No delicate tuiles for Sylvia - more like a curled, nutty frisbee! Generosity still on display.
Coffee and tea rounded off our meal. A ‘little something’ in a glass had mandarins replacing lemons for a ‘Mandarincello’. Delightful.
Here is the page which will help you to discover more about the kitchen. If you have the chance to book for one of Sylvia’s meals - JUST DO IT!
(I remain sadly certain that Nike will resolutely ignore that blatant ‘product placement’ and fail to contribute funds which might help to make additions to the wine racks at Cheoff Towers)
………
That guided tour? OK. You must check out the website for further inspiration but here is a quintet of photos through my lens.
Small but efficient space is installed for anyone keen to do their own shopping and preparation (like me!) and cook for themselves. I kept things simple with a courgette and smoked lardon risotto.
This was a short two night stay as we wound our way through France to meet friends further east.
Sylvia and Leander are exceptional hosts and the warmth of their attentions made a deep impression on us. They have created a wonderful site where lovely things happen.
Cleverly designed accommodation and carefully managed surroundings make guests feel constantly cosseted.
Of course your own booking can be made while you are viewing their website.
I’d highly recommend doing so. Once there you could even think about exploring the Ardèche!
We enjoyed tranquility, gentle exercise and terrific food. Huge thanks to Sylvia and Leander for all three. You are bound to discover those and even more of their talents during your own stay.