Gastronomic Delight (Karla’s Day)

Have been having such a good time that my previous brief blog did not do Epernay justice. So to recap, a pleasant 3.5 hour drive through wonderful countryside from Bourignon with green and yellow fields disappearing into the distance.

We arrived at Epernay, Champagne kingdom and despite a detour arrived at the doorstep 27 Avenue de Champagne. We were greeted by Messr & Mdme Thernardier, who spoke no English but made us feel so welcome. We interrupted a family Sunday meal for circa 12 and the smells that wafted throughout their large house was unbelievable. Their grandson was ordered to take our suitcase upstairs to our suite.

Having arrived on a Sunday most of the town was shut or around Mdme Thernardier’s dining table. We were advised to visit Mercier’s Champagne House, which was opened. After a brief movie, we travelled by lift down to the caves. The lift was similar to an Alton Towers experience and gave you a brief history on the 100 feet down to the caves. The caves measured in excess of 10km and at times you could not see to the end of a tunnel. The laser guided train took us around the chalky tunnels which contained millions bottles of champagne from 1923. The guide explained the process of fermenting and producing champagne and then we were invited to a degustation where we sampled 4 flutes of champers between us…tres bon. Kiera really enjoyed the train journey and the special champagne van.

At night we visited a local restaurant, where I have previously mentioned the price of wine. We were treated like royalty and our princess was looked after by the staff who gave her ‘Kiera’ champagne when we had our Moet aperitif. The initial appetiser was crab with avocado and of course Kiera was given a portion, no chicken nuggets or burger at this joint. Karla had sole and I had a monumental piece of beef with ravioli and foie gras (Ravioli definitely not of Heinz Variety!). The matre de suugested the chef make Kiera a dish with beef and potato, so she was presented with a lovely piece of fillet steak with a wonderful potato dish. We both declined the fromage for fear of offending or making fools of ourselves, but were still given another 3 tasters of passion fruit jelly with pure chocolate. This set me up nicely for my desert which consisted of 3 elements; a soft chocolate mouse, a cream like desert that contained something pink with alcohol and a mega coffee brulee. On receiving the bill we also were given a plate of homemade chocolates and brandy snaps, which certainly made the final bill sweeter.

Crawling up the road after dinner in the rain we passed the Champagne Houses, each had their emblem adorning the pavement from overhead lights, was a fantastic sight.

A wonderful first day, particularly as it was Karla’s birthday.


Lots of Love

R, K & K