Texas-Cookin: Memorable Dining Experiences

Le Jardin
Rocamador, France

I'd like you to travel with me to the Dordogne valley of France. There is a small village called Rocamador, which clings precariously to the side of a cliff face. The restaurant, Le Jardin de la Louvre, was housed in an 800-year-old stone building. It had no artificial lighting, but was entirely lit by candlelight. A large fireplace warmed the small interior.

Service was unrushed leaving us plenty of time between courses to talk and listen to the soft gypsy music that emanated from hidden speakers.

Ahhh and the food! The first course was a salad of mixed greens with smoked duck with a light vinaigrette. The salad was followed by braised pork loin in a raspberry/balsamic reduction. The sweetness of the berry seemed infused into the meat. The dish was accompanied by pomme forestiere, sliced potatoes roasted with butter, duck fat and garlic. The cheese course followed (God bless the French!) Thin slices of walnut bread with creamy, tangy chevre. Of course we had dessert. This was a fluffy orange-chocolate mousse with crème anglaise.

That meal was 8 years ago and it could have been yesterday.

Cheers!
Jim Baker