La
Chassagnette
|
Back |
Note there has been a chef change since our visit.
Firstly directions. La Chassagnette is in the middle of the flat Camargue
close to the Rhone south of Arles. Take the D37 on the west side of the Rhone at
Arles and turn left on the D36. Look out for a small sign in the grass on the
right and you've arrived. Before entering the restaurant take a walk round the organic garden - the
diversity of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers is extraordinary. Seating is
either outside under a canopy of vines or in the spacious and cool ranch style
dining rooms. There is no menu, and clearly what arrives is going to be
seasonal. Toast and a jar of homous pepped up with a few spices comes as nibbles
- do have their sangria made with a quality base wine. Food arrives in waves on a tray for your party to share and of course
vegetables star. An open sandwich piled with shavings of vegetables, herbs and
various flowers was a sensational mosaic of flavours and a reminder of what
vegetables actually taste like. Root vegetable chips and lightly deep fried
carrots, courgettes and their flowers with dips were a fine start. Various small
glasses of foaming creamed vegetables added variety. A courgette with its flower
stuffed with brandade was splendid. The main course was steamed mussels with squid and chorizo pieces to give it
some zip. Delicious along with a large green salad to balance it. Dessert
includes warm poached strawberries with blackcurrant a tuile and liquorice ice
cream. Overall a refreshingly different experience.