La Cazal'aise

There’s not so much as a stray cat in the streets of this remote village located between Samatan and I’Isle-Jourdain! The only available refuge for travelers is Gwladys and Anthony Didier’s restaurant La Cazal’aise, with its white dining room, stainless steel chairs and original fireplace. In the kitchen, Julien Mareschi cooks up organic, locally-sourced cuisine (meat from La Maison Sabathé in Ségoufielle, vegetables from the Tonus farm in Seysses-Savès), dictated by his daily inspiration. The other day for lunch, we had all of the following: a runny egg with green asparagus, paper-thin radish rounds and arugula, all seasoned with an herb-infused oil, and paired with a feta and beetroot mousse; perfectly prepared hake fillet flash-seared and then oven-roasted, placed atop a curried cauliflower purée and drizzled in tarragon and basil jus; before the somewhat less impressive dessert, composed of caramelized pineapple with mascarpone mousse, a matcha financier, meringue and mint leaves. // Gérard Roubeix 

FEELING THIRSTY? : A wine menu that was still being built when we visited, but which included a few biodynamic Gascony gems – Les Vigneronnes, a pure Colombard from the Domaine de Herrebouc (€7 a glass, €39 a bottle), a white from the Domaine Entras (€16 a bottle), Côté Océan, a merlot, tannat and cabernet-sauvignon blend from the Domaine Mas Las Prades (€15).  
PRICE: : Set menus €15.90 to €17.90 (lunch), set menu €32 (Friday night).