For several seasons now, the couple formed by Astrid Halbutier (alone in the dining room) and Marius Halter (alone in the kitchen) have been the pride and joy of Parnac, a peaceful winegrowing village on the banks of the Lot. From Friday to Monday, they welcome a dozen privileged guests, comfortably seated depending on the weather, either in the spacious dining room with its imposing volume, combining ancient beams and contemporary furniture, or on the shady terrace with its bucolic charm, offering a restful view of the gardens and a few sheep. Before settling in this corner of Cocagne, the adventurous duo had travelled extensively (notably in... Siberia). Today, Marius's creative, delicate cuisine has reached full maturity, combining local produce with exotic influences, always right on target (especially the spices and condiments). Three set menus (depending on your appetite and your wallet) allow you to gauge his talent. Here are a few extracts from our last three-hour trip: "gambas sauvages en carpaccio, caviar d'Aquitaine, fine escabeche jelly, "citrange" oil and lemon caviar", "pigeon de pays rôti sur coffre, cuisse confite en tajine, abattis en barbajuan, rabe and braised turnip cake with poultry jus", "Entremet couscous and four-spice shortbread, citrus supremes, candied kumquat, halva sorbet, Suzette sauce and orange/tagetes condiment". Numerous attentions: aperitif bites, appetizers, a brilliantly revisited mique, a high-flying cheese preparation, mignardises, rounding off this top-of-the-range moment on the verge of three toques. Discretion and efficiency are the hallmarks of the service provided by the gentle Astrid, who is also an expert sommelier (with a superb list of organic wines from all regions of France, well-stocked and affordable). All in all, as another poet sang in the singular, these are indeed "extraordinary gardens"....
Marius Halter Chef
