A DAY WITH JAN & CARMEN

 

9^th August 2008

 

This morning was sunny and warm for a change. We left home at 10.15 to drive to Joue-sur-Erdre,

about three quarters of an hour drive east from Blain, to spend the day with Jan (pronounced Yan) and Carmen. Jeannie had met Jan once before but this was the first meeting with Carmen, who is charming.

 We arrived right on time at 11am and spent a pleasant hour or so chatting and drinking coffee on their sunny patio area.

 Jan had booked a table for 1pm at Le Clos du Cellier in the tiny village of Le Cellier. From the outside the restaurant looked like a corner shop type café but inside was transformed into a beautifully decorated restaurant. The owners Nathalie and Arnaud had both been chefs in top London hotels.

 

                        

                              Carmen, Jan, Chef and Colin

 Needless to say the service, the food and the company were  perfect. 

  

                         

                                                         The end of a perfect meal

At 3.40pm, yes a long and leisurely lunch, we went to walk along the banks of the River Loire nearby, we watched as people launched their boats for a spin. Only children are obliged to wear safety jackets, which concerned Jeannie especially when we talked of hiring a holiday boat for a week or so.

 

We took a scenic route back to Joue for another chat ,coffee and cake before leaving at 7pm.

 

We all thoroughly enjoyed our day together. Thank you Jan and Carmen for your hospitality and laughs.