We have been coming to the French Riviera every year for about 8 years now. One of the neat things (although common everywhere, I suppose) is that the place keeps re-inventing its self.
I hate to sound food-obsessed, but one of the new things we discovered today was a vegetarian restaurant. It has a bit of a strange name – The Loving Hut - but it has a most agreeable location right next to the promenade and sea. We started out this morning going to the SFR store to top up my internet minutes. After getting that all sorted, we just headed west along the sea shore until we found the place (we had seen it in a visitor’s guide.
The menu had plenty of delicious things on it, but it was just a little too early to eat, so we strolled further and went to the citrus garden of the Carnoles Palace to pass some time, returning to the restaurant at about 12:15. We both had the falafel and a bottle of sparkling water. It was very good (why does food eaten outside always seem to taste better?) and the view to die for!
We decided that rather than walk all the way back (about 40 minues), we would take the train, which stops only a 2 minute walk from our apartment. It was only after buying our tickets that we discovered we had missed the most recent train, and now (because it’s lunch time!), the next train didn’t come until 2:01pm. Well, I wasn’t about to waste the ticket, nor spend an hour waiting on the train platform, so we……. went for a walk around the neighbourhood, where everything else was closed for lunch (and people complain about the shop hours in Elora), but we did some decent window shopping.
After an afternoon of lazing on the patio (sigh), we headed off for pizza for supper (naughty boys, eating out twice in one day!). However, when we got to the pizzeria – the patio was enclosed and it was soooo hot in there we couldn’t stand it. Off to our restaurant Port Garavan, for a sumptuous “Grand Frito Misto,” easten amongst the yachts.
The Port Garavan restaurant occupies the space that was once out most favourite restaurant in the world, Sotto le Stele, now sadly gone. But our meal there tonight was scrumptious and the atmosphere wonderful.
Tuesday May 1st is a European holiday (May day), so Menton has been invaded by a stream of Italians (we’re right on the Italian border), who swell the population from 10,000 to 30,000. Everything is at a premium – parking, seats in a restaurant, you name it.
We want to wish Don, Anthea and Marlena a safe trip to Europe when they come to Rome for the start of their 3 week trip. I think they leave Monday night.
We had hazy skies today and a high of 27C. Yes, I said 27C. The winds have whipped up again, too!
Today’s photos:
Loving Hut Vegetarian Restaurant
Le Grand Frito Misto - mixed Calamari and giant shrimps lightly coated and deep fried, served with fleur de sel and saffron thread, accompanied by Pomme Frites and the house rose.
Port Garavan Restaurant
Port Garavan Patio - right in the Marina amid the yachts!
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