Le Gindreau - Catus / France

Le Gindreau
46150 Saint Medard - Catus / France

Telephone +33 (0)5 65362227 / Telefax +33 (0)5 65362454

Cazals, October 6^th, 2006.

In our ‘quest’ to eat at highly recommended places in the neighborhood (star, or almost star level) we found Le Gindreau (1 star Michelin), recommended by a lot of locals from here this was the place to go to. The location was perfect, a very nice old building (former village school) overlooking a small valley. Saint Medard is a very small place and it’s fun to see that in these places restaurants like these appear.

We headed out for lunch, unfortunately there was only one other table taken so it was a bit quite. The entourage is a nice old building that’s renovated and there is a good mix of old and new. The ceiling holds an air conditioning that’s nicely covered up by a lowered ceiling. Also the huge open doors to the terrace are modern but it suits this building. Something else are the toilets which are in the old style, nice!

We started of with a Mise en Bouche (something like an appetizer) this small ‘bitterbal’ was perfect, a kind of cheese ‘bitterbal’ filled with foie … also a ‘cheese cracker’ also already served some bread, nut – red wine bread. Must be from the kitchen itself.

We went for the menu Gibier (€ 65) and the 5 course menu (€ 77). And started of as always with a Kir …

Started of with a Mise en Bouche again:

Veloute de potimarron, (a veloute from chestnuts)
Oignon des Cevennes au safran du Lot, (half of a small onion drenched in a dressing)
Longuet au sesame dore (salt galettes covered with sesame seeds)

Starter

Ravioli de queues de Langoustines au beurre de gingembre flan de Courgettes
(A ravioli filled with langoustines with a butter made with ginger and a ‘pate of vegetable marrows’)

In between

Escalope de foie gras de canard poelee, pane de grue jus corses au Xocopili, patate douce
(fresh foie with a special gravy)

Main dish

Carré d’agneau fermier du Quercy roti au four pomme au Rocamadour jus d’ail en chemise
(Lamb with a gravy of garlic)

Cheese

Three pieces of cheese from the trolley

Dessert

Croustillant à la crème citronnée fraises et brunoise de fruits safranés sorbet quatre fruits
(specialty of the region I think, these croustillants are served regularly)

Of course we ordered a wine from the region, unfortunately the sommelier didn’t had her day, and the wine was not longer available. She came up with a replacement, A Cahors of 2004 from Chateau Tour de Miraval. Perfect wine and very ‘smooth’ for a Cahors. Perfect wine for a more than perfect price (only € 31)

The restaurants all serve menu’s that saves a lot compared to order directly à la carte. And the portions are more than enough. Make sure you have a real appetite if you go out eating. Let’s say no problem for me … but make sure you don’t have a great lunch and than finish in this restaurant for diner.

Very well kitchen, staff could be a bit more friendly and genuine but the girl who served us most was perfect. If you like good food this is a place to go. Maybe go for diner because than there should be some more people. Only need reservations during the weekend.

Website : http://www.perso.orange.fr/le.gindreau/

Also Le Gindreau is member of Le Saissonier.