As today was a special day, we went out for lunch, but a Monday in August is not always the easiest of days for this. Our first thought was to try the workers' menu in Genneteil, but that is closed until the 22nd August we found. Next stop was Savigny sous le Lude, where Le Belem was open - Plan C was Buffalo Grill at La Fleche!!
Le Belem is also a superette, and must be a lifeline for those living in this small and rather remote community on the border between Maine et Loire and Sarthe. They do outside catering (traiteur), but we were interested in their menu ouvrier - 10,50 including wine, coffee extra. They do have an outside terrace at the back, but the clouds were just a little too threatening, and there is a bar area in front, but the restaurant is laid out with a number of tables and a maritime theme - le Belem was a famous French sailing ship.
For your 10,50 Euros, you get a choice of wine, cider or mineral water, and naturally there is a carafe of tap water available (chilled and very palatable), while the red is perfectly pleasant. There is a buffet of starters - this had a good mix of things with and without mayonnaise, the hard boiled eggs were without the black rim to the yolk, there was only one starter with fish, and the rillettes tasted home made and were fabulous. There was a choice of main, including beefburger, andouillettes (and therefore not to British tastes in general), but we chose the roast sucking pig. You also get to choose your vegetable, and while there was a healthy option (green beans), and a sporting option (pasta), we had to try the house style chips. These turned out to be crinkle cut wedges of fried potato and were wonderful - and the pork was melting and the light sauce on it with garlic and thyme was the perfect compliment. It was one of the best main courses we have ever had in our researches on the menus ouvrier. There was a limited cheese board and a choice of puddings. There were rich and sticky things, but we opted for iles flottant and lemon ice cream, both of which were very good. The coffee has ensured we stay awake into the afternoon, if you know what I mean!
We were the only clients, and the music selection was a bit eclectic (les Pretres, Viennese waltzes and some form of celtic/country mix), but if complaining about the muzak is the only bad mark, I think you will agree, this has to be good! Of course, first you have to find Savigny sous le Lude!
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Posted by: Most Popular Minerals | 19 October 2011 at 11:15 AM
The place seems nice then. I wish to read more of your blog . Thanks for the share!
Posted by: Green Mountain National | 02 December 2011 at 05:43 AM
Try cafe les roiers in chigne, or the cafe in Dissee sous le Lude next time. They are equally as good.
Posted by: Orange peel | 13 September 2013 at 05:16 PM