Prior to our holiday in France, I told Neil about this fantastic creperie that we had to visit. He refused to believe that you could eat crepes for a savory main course, that is, until we visited Les 3 Bolees in Lisieux; another truly memorable meal during our stay in Normandy.
My Mom, Dad, Neil and I visited the restaurant on a Thursday night and although we were the first there, the restaurant soon filled up. It has always appeared to be fairly busy and popular with locals. There was only one waitress working on the night in question but, the services was excellent despite almost all of the tables being full!
We all decided to opt for the ‘Menu du Terroir’ at 23 Euros a head. You may think this sounds a little steep for crepes however, it included four courses, an aperitif and wine/cider. I love the fact that this menu celebrated produce local to the region so for me, it was the only option!
For an aperitif, we all chose to have a ‘Kir’ which was accompanied by some crisps. Not the best complimentary nibbles we had tasted during our stay however, with the four course meal ahead of us we hardly needed anything more!!
The first course was ‘Salade Regionale - salade, lardons, toast au Camembert, Pont L’Eveque et Livarot’, a salad of bacon and local cheeses with toast. I love all of the Normandy cheeses, the stinkier the better, so was very pleased to see that Livarot was on the menu! The salad was really tasty and well presented.
For the second course, it was ‘Trou Normand – sorbet pomme au poire avec Calvados ou Pommeau’, an apple or pear sorbet with Calvados or Pommeau. My Mom, Dad and Neil chose the pear sorbet with Calvados however, I remembered Calvados being a little too strong for me on this dish so opted for Pommeau, apple juice mixed with Calvados. The sorbet was lovely with big chunks of pear, it was very refreshing. Neil said that the Calvados was a little strong for him so I’m very glad I opted for the Pommeau; I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t resist bringing a bottle home with me!
There were two options on offer for the main course. One was a smoked salmon galette however, we all decided upon the ‘Galette Pays D’Auge - Oeuf, Guyere, creme fraiche, lardons, Camembert, Pont L’Eveque, salade’, a galette containing egg, creme fraiche, bacon and local cheese with a side salad. The texture of the galette was wonderful, not too doughy or over crispy – the perfect inbetween! It was, however, terribly rich with all of the cheese! Lovely but completely overindulgent!
For the final course, what else could be on offer but another crepe! This time it was ‘Crepe Tartin - pomme caramelise, creme fraiche, flambee Calvados’, an apple with caramelised apple and creme fraiche flambeed in Calvados! I love the way the waitress came to the table with a jug of Calvados and set all of our crepes alight! This dish was lovely and the perfect end to a menu celebrating local produce. I just wish my photos had turned out better!!
This meal was thoroughly enjoyable not to mention very reasonable. I will say that the menu contains some rather rich food though and is rather filling so a lie down afterwards is definitely advisable!!
I would love to recreate this menu at home or a similar menu using and celebrating British produce. If only more local restaurants in the UK were like this one, passionate about showcasing local produce! Watch this space for a recreation from me…!
P.S – I saved this blog about our holiday in France till last as I was going to accompany it with a recipe for chicken, mushroom and Pont L’Eveque crepes however, we did not end up eating them for dinner the other night!! With some things, low-fat versions just don’t work and now I am back on Slimming World, crepes are a bit of an overindulgence for a week night supper! I will just have to get to work in the kitchen and devise more low fat recipes that don’t have disastrous results……!
Pingback: 10 Foodie Things to Do When Visiting Normandy, France | Memoirs of an Amateur Cook
I know what you mean about the Calvados! I had a tasting of several different ages, and I must admit, I found it harder than even tequila! Pommeau is definitely a much nicer option.
It is hey!! Wouldnt have expected Calvados to be that strong