Garons is close to Nīmes and well placed between Montpellier and Marseille and very convenient for the autoroute. Alexandra is on the south west side of the small town on the road next to the quiet local airport. The restaurant itself is an oasis in a simple well kept and watered garden. For a Saturday lunch in brilliant spring sunshine we had a prime table in the conservatory. Note that following redevelopment in 2003 there is now a more practical, i.e. fully air-conditioned, enclosed dining area.

Go for the menu carte that gives a choice from the carte with smaller portions at set menu prices. A taster of salmon and escargots was much better than it sounds. Salt cod with herbs, mash potato, tomato and olive oil was their fine regional speciality and is carefully prepared. Courgette flower stuffed with crab mousse and layered courgette, cep and dried tomato skin was perfect light fayre for the occasion. Salmon and skate terrine with deep fried pigs ear, mustard tartare, crostini and asparagus was also well executed and worked seamlessly. Lambs sweetbreads, toung and pigs legs, wonderful spring vegetables, garlic and aligot had a fine truffle infused reduction - offal heaven.

After cheese dessert comes on quite a chariot of a trolley. Lemon tart, a raspberry creation, strawberry soup and reglise ice cream were all super, but don't miss the mousse of Marc de Gigondas. My only criticism would be that the desserts on offer were gateau and mousse dominated.

A good wine choice is two halves (white and red) of the very local Costičres de Nīmes. Service is friendly from long serving staff.

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