Undoubtedly, one of the greatest joys of summer in Provence is spending several hours sous le soileil leisurely dining at an outdoor café. A little bit of delicious, a touch of rosé and wonderful people-watching are guaranteed. And one of the most gorgeous spots to do so is on the place or town square of the small village of Maussane in the heart of the Alpilles. I think that I have finally have found my favorite restaurant there, one with an excellent rapport qualité-prix. I had mentioned L’Oustaloun in A taste of summer some while back. So long ago that we were still in our last apartment and we had just had a garden party. Le sigh. But back to the happy bits…
…such as this so simple but so good it hurts chevre croustillant or tart goat cheese wrapped in a light phyllo and drizzled with…honey. Ooh. This was the starter for the menu du jour at only 17€…
…one followed by a plat of tender beef filets and cumin-spiced potatoes served with a divine garlic cream sauce for dipping. As I only have beef only a few times per year (after nearly twenty years of being allergic to all the crazy business that has been added to so much American beef), I want it to be perfect and yes, voila. This is comfort food folks, done well and so what more do you need for a relaxed afternoon? But I will be back for their more complex autumn/winter menu most certainly…
My Sister was absolutely delighted with her more reasonable and seasonable Planche Fraicheur–consider it a summer Best Of including gazpacho, jambon sec, more goat cheese plus a salad and crostini–at 18€ with a glass of wine included. She appreciated the quality of all of that was served as well as the dose of freshness on a hot summer day.
I never like to feel closed in on a terrace and in Arles our Place du Forum can be a bit of a circus with so much bustle and push. Not so at L’Oustaloun with a wide open view of the church with its random ringing bell, the swish of the plane trees and the sweet mist from the neighbouring fountain. Now, if you don’t feel the Provençal charm in such an environment, I am not sure where you will…
The service was flawless, old-school style. Never intrusive yet friendly and on top of the game. Mr. Ben was brought a giant bowl of water and well, of course, he had many bits served under the table. As you can see, he was equally pleased by our visit.
This lunch was took place on the last day of my Sister’s visit and what a fine experience it was. As I mentioned in the previous post, L’Oustaloun also has charming rooms at very reasonable prices. For anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the experience of an authentic, albeit elegant Provençal village, look no further than this lovely address.
L’Oustaloun
place de L’Église
13520 Maussane-Les-Alpilles
Tel.: +33 (0)4 90 54 45 57
www.loustaloun.com
Bon appétit!
Dear Heather, I have just sent a blogging award your way. Love your blog and you.
Absolutely loved Sous les Micocouliers. Wrote about it and posted pictures of our meal on my blog; we will definitely return.
Of course, Cindy! He knows the deal. If he behaves, we will make it worth his while…
Holy cow, why didn't I just give you ALL of that goat cheese thingy?! Bad sister, bad!!
Dear David,
Thanks for your message! As I'm not really a cook, I don't try to come back and recreate the things I've had in France; I just dream away about them. But your post and mention of goat cheese thing prompted me to realize that I think the VERY favorite thing I ate in France was the bite (the BITE, mind you) I had of the little goat cheese pastry thing that was on Heather's salad in this post (2nd photo)!! Everything I ate in France was delicious (save for the prune), especially everything made served at Chez Heather & Remi!! And, yes, I'm back here in America (Ann Arbor, MI), missing my sister and Provence like crazy. Thanks, again, for your nice, funny thoughts!
Robin
And David, I won't reply for Robin (although I have passed this on to her) but at least there exists Whole Foods and Trader Joe's now!!
I think I have told you of my parent's returning to Michigan after a trip to France in the 70s and asking for Perrier at the local Kroger and the guy responded "Perry who?".
And besides, TJs has things like three layer dip of cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto which would be an abomination in France but, like Velveeta, is undeniably tasty in its own way…
Velveeta tacos is one scary concept Judith. And yeppers, the cost of living and the quality that you get for the buck is one of the MAIN reasons why we exchanged our 55 m2 apartment up north for a 200m2 18th century home down here…for less rent!
That made me laugh Trace! But today I am ironing. So please remember that real life happens, even in Provence!
Your beautiful girls are growing sooo fast…
I'll pass on your hello! And yes, I do love it here in the South. Paris is wonderful to visit but to live in Provence is amazing!
Things have changed so much in the States, BLW. I know it is not the same, just as David wrote above but there is plenty of Frenchy goodness to be had at Trader Joe's if you have one near you. But I know, I know. When I get homesick for the States, I always turn to food to look for some semblance of home!