Bretagne

Thierry and I took a two week vacation to France and Italy. Our first stop was in Pont L'Abbé, a picturesque coastal town filled with country homes that are to die for. We stayed with our lovely friends, Jo and Laurence, in their beautiful guest house, which was actually a stable that they converted into a home. It had all the elements I would hope to see in a french country house, wood beams running across the ceiling, a small efficient alley kitchen, and a stone exterior.  I have to add that their own  home was gorgeous, filled with Chinese cabinets, antiques, and a coffee table and sofas that our friend made with his bare hands.

{This is the house we stayed in.}

Our friends spoiled us. They fed us delicious, fresh seafood, served us finger-licking good, local desserts and treated us like family. We only spent 3 days with them but I wish we could have stayed a little longer.

One of the highlights of our trip was our search for crustacés. Jo and Laurence were adamant about serving us craw fish, the local star. After four or more dizzying stops to stores and fisherman's markets, we ran out of luck. So they opted for the next best thing. Lobster. Can you say, AMEN! Not just any lobster. Oh no, no, my friends. They decided to serve us flambé'd lobster. Ooh la-la!

{Did you spot the adorable lobster bibs? They are made by Sophie C. Post to follow}

The seafood didn't stop there. We also went to a oyster farm and picked out some of the most delicious, gooey oysters I have ever tasted.

 

Laurence gave me a taste to the best dessert I. Ever. Had! A giant macaroon with a 'caramel au sel' creme filling. Heavenly. I was actually speechless. As if earth stood still and my heart skipped a beat or two.

One of the local attractions of Pont L'Abbé is the daily catch of the local fisherman. These hardworking men leave at early dawn and come back everyday around 4:30 with boats filled with seafood. We arrived just one time to catch the last of 5 boats. The best part is buying the seafood for dinner. It doesn't get fresher than that.

 I can't wait to go back!