Tête De Veau.... or........ Lapin à la Moutarde

Not long after having arrived in Civray, I was invited by some new local friends to join them at the Café de la Paix for a meal of tête de veau. I knew well what the dish was but I was anxious not to be rude and also to try anything once. So it was with feelings of apprehension and foreboding that I (le petit pois) joined Gi- Gi (Gilbert), Le Vieux Débris (Jean Paul) and Mou-Mou (I forget his proper name!) at Chez Raymonde's one Saturday around lunch time.

I should explain my soubriquet of "le petit pois". When I had first introduced myself in the Central Bar, Civray, I explained in my bad French that I was from Écosse. This must have come over badly (or a word play was made of it) as the French for pea pod is "la cosse" - hence they sometimes call me Little Pea because I come from a pea pod!!! Comprenez?

OK.... and so to la tête de veau à Chez Raymonde's. After a few wines we sat down at our table which had been prepared in our honour.

The starter arrived and was duly washed down with the first of many glasses of rouge. Then the main event....... I looked at what I had on my plate and I just knew it was not going to be a pleasant experience. Eyes were cast in my direction in expectation. I could feel I was being watched. I took a mouthful of what little meat was visible in the glutinous mass on my plate. It miraculously went down!! Now for the next step... I took another mouthful. This time of the fatty substance. I swallowed. It went down. Then came back up. I swallowed again. Down it went again. It was like a dumbwaiter lift. Back up it came. And for good. The place was in uproar. Everyone was having a great laugh at my expense. Ah, well. I have broad shoulders. It was a really enjoyable meal nevertheless.

However, what I was not prepared for was that news of my reaction to the delicacy spread all over town. I was headline news. Everywhere I went the shout went up...... Tête de veau!! Le Petit Pois!! Tête de veau!! Followed by much laughter. Even today, nearly two years later, I am reminded of it still.

Time has passed as I have said, and so have other similar invitations which for other reasons I have turned down. The latest, however, was easier to accept. It was lapin à la moutarde of which I am quite fond.

Gi-Gi With a Welcoming Wave

It was a beautiful Saturday in May and I arrived at the Café de la Paix around 1 o'clock for a little aperitif before le repas. I was having a personal carême and alcohol was off limits, so I contented myself with a petit café instead. Jean Paul was already ahead of the field with the latest of a few vin rouges.

Chit Chat

Your Table Awaits

We sat down at our usual table with a few more place settings than previous. A few photies were taken to mark the occasion by both myself and Raymonde who, as well as having prepared the meal, was joining us in enjoying it.

Lunchmates

Although my French has improved, I still take a back seat and do more listening than contributing to any chat going back and forth. It doesn't make the occasion any less enjoyable for me.

Gi-Gi Serves

The food was very nice and this time there were no problems. All were anxious that I found everything to my liking and I think the way I tackled what was put in front of me was evidence enough that I thoroughly enjoyed le lapin à la moutarde.

Lapin à la Moutarde

Click here to view a wee video.

A lovely lunch with friends.