Vendee
Information Vendee History
Accommodation, Photos,
Reviews, Maps,
|
Restaurant
Hotel du Lac
Hôtel le Lac
The Hôtel le Lac was recommended to me by
Guy the farmer who looks after my garden and I have subsequently eaten at it
more times than any other restaurant in the area. It is set just off the main
road between La Chataigneraie and Fontenay-le-Compte and is a Le Relais. This is
a similar idea to the Le Routier group and often attracts lorry drivers, as the
hotel rooms are generally inexpensive and there is a set menu at a reasonable
price.
I have eaten some stunning meals at the Hôtel le Lac. There used
to be a gourmet menu which consisted of amongst other things Sautéed Foie Gras
and pears, Gambas in a Whisky Sauce, Fillet steak, Cheese and a Sweet, often
Crème Brulee in my case. There were other selections on the menu but these were
generally my choices and they were spectacularly well cooked, it cost 29 euros
the last time I ate it and was worth every cent. I’m told, the Hotel changed
hands and as a consequence this menu unfortunately disappeared, however the rest
of the food is still generally produced to a very high standard. We must all
accept change and where I used to visit the Hôtel le Lac for a gourmet
experience, I’m now more inclined to take advantage of the fantastic value for
money that the set menu affords.
At a cost of about 11 euros (that’s what it
was the last time I visited) the set menu which consists of a large and varied
buffet of entrées which generally includes crudités, meats, fish, prawns,
shellfish, eggs, vegetables, various potato and rice salads and much more.
The cold cabinet is situated in the centre of the dining room and everyone helps
themselves, and you can revisit the buffet if you have either the desire or the
capacity. There is a choice of two dishes, generally meat or fish for the main
course, followed by cheese and a choice of sweets. A carafe of house wine is
included with the meal and Trevor, the font of all knowledge on such matters,
says it is from the European wine lake so it could be anything. The wine though
not a Chateau Margaux, is nonetheless perfectly acceptable and in my experience
if you ask for more it comes with a smile and at no further cost. The dining
room is large and well equipped with a nice feel to it, unlike so many of these
types of establishments which can be soulless. I think the Hotel/Restaurant is a
family run affair and the service is relaxed and very friendly. In the evenings
there are generally other people eating, which is not always the case in the
Vendée, and being a bit of a party animal this normally adds to the ambience for
me, making for a much more enjoyable evening. I am told that the set menu on
Sunday lunchtimes is exceptional, and that the place is normally packed, this is
a treat I have yet to sample.
The last time that I ate at the Hôtel le Lac
was on a Sunday evening and it was not at its best. In its favour it was at
least open, but the food in the buffet looked very tired, the choice of steak or
salmon was supposedly accompanied by a choice of rice or frites, we all chose
frites, alas the waitress returned and told us that chips were off as the fryer
had broken down, but that the chef would cook us sautéed potatoes if we wanted,
we all happily agreed, and we were all very disappointed, The potatoes were
soggy and greasy and I don’t suppose any of us ate more than a spoonful each.
In all honesty this is in my experience a rarity for what is an honest
to goodness value for money establishment. With the wine included in the cost of
the meal, 11 euros really does mean 11 euros, unless you have aperitifs or
coffee, and that is hard to resist. I can wholeheartedly recommend this
restaurant if you want an inexpensive evening in reasonable surroundings or you
are in a large party. My only reservation is don’t bother to go there on a
Sunday night.
Tate - 2008
Return to find more Attractions of the
Vendee
© Copyright
Vendee-Guide.co.uk 2009