La Mere Germaine Cochon
By Lothar. Filed in France |
This was my worst dinner in France, ever!
We are in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and “La Mere Germaine” comes highly recommended. Maria, Rolf, Gabi and myself are seated on the outside terrace, overlooking the famous vineyards, surrounding the Pope’s former summer castle. The weather and ambiance are perfect. The Maitre d’ helps to clarify some of the dinner choices on the menu, and we begin this memorable dining experience, enjoying the appetizers and wine. Everything is fine, until my main course is presented. I had ordered “cochon” (pork) and, to my unending surprise, a rolled up, thick, fat piece of depilated pig skin somehow found itself from the kitchen’s garbage pile on the plate in front of me. I try two bites and then give up on this French culinary experience. The desert Crème Brulee helps to quiet my hungry stomach. The meals of my fellow diners are average, certainly nothing special.
The scrambled eggs with foie gras have barely noticeable foie gras and Gabi’s main course, an Aioli fish casserole, leaves a lot to be desired.
We did enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful sunset of the Provence.
I ended up paying for the non-edible pig skin, still resting on my plate.
The Maitre d’ would not relent or compromise; even after the two of us had a somewhat heated verbal exchange, during which I explained to him that this was a “First” during our world travels. I have never had to pay for food which did not meet my expectation, up until today! The waiter certainly was not interested in repeat business or his customers possibly recommending his restaurant!
And so the Restaurant “La Mere Germaine” in Chateauneuf-du-Pape achieved a not so honorable mention in my travel log.