Champagne weekend

Drove out over the weekend as it was time to stock up on our champagne. The supplies we got from our previous trip lasted us about half a year. Let's see how long this batch takes. During this time of the year, they're only just starting to grow the grapes. Hence the dull/brown landscape that greeted us was totally different from the luscious green last August. The streets and town center appeared rather empty and some of the champagne houses weren't even open (take note, however, that many small houses don't open on weekends even during high season, I think). Anyway, managed to swoop up 3 cases (of 12) at our favorite 'M. Hostomme' and another 4 bottles from a wine chain store 'Nicholas'. Yes, they do carry good champagne in their supermarkets like 'Monoprix'! Prices are obviously higher than if you were to head to the houses but if you have limited time/lazy/they're closed, this is definitely a great option.

Also, we finally managed to try the elusive 1-star restaurant. Arrived for dinner and were pleasantly surprised that the place was almost full-house. Since it's situated in the middle of nowhere (seriously try searching it out on the map), we went without too high an expectation. The food turned out pretty well, service was good & wine excellent. A pity I don't have photos of all the courses because of my infamous goldfish memory..

Nice table setting - as a starred restaurant should be, and S studying the wine list as usual.

Started with a glass of champagne and hence the half-bottle. Superb butter infused with seaweed.

Amuse bouche 1 & 2. First one includes a couple of normal cheese pastries and salmon maki. Second has foam & puree themed around celery (which actually doesn't taste like celery at all and I like that).

I ordered the dinner menu (51€ for 2 plats+cheese+dessert) while S ordered a-la-carte main (45€). Had scallops for entrée (missing photo #1) and they were not bad. This is S' deep-fried langoustine dish and we loved it. Generous portion of langoustine wrapped in a crispy yet light batter. My fish main was too bland though.

Petite five not four with some weird minty marshmallow. The dessert I had was very colorfully presented but too bad it ended up as missing photo #2! Overall a pleasant dining experience with good ambiance.

Name: Auberge le Relais

Location: 2 Rue de Paris, 02850 Reuilly-Sauvigny, France

Expenditure: 160€ incl. 2 glasses champagne + 1/2 bottle red

Can I also mention that this was Tasha's first road trip (1.5h drive) and due to the windy roads in Champagne she puked both ways. Poor girl! Wanted to bring her on our Switzerland trip 2 weeks later but...I guess not since it's gonna take 5h one way!