I'm inspired!

[Alice Abbott]

Over the last few months we have made friends with a Dutch couple who run a campsite in the next village.

As it is Macks' birthday today, they invited us for lunch. I knew they run some sort of restaurant attached to the campsite but I've now come back totally inspired. I now know this is the sort of restaurant I want to incorporate into our B & B business when we eventually get it going. I suppose I do have to point out that the two barns we have earmarked for this business have a good solid roof and newly installed windows. What they DON'T have are floors, internal walls, plumbing, electrics, etc, etc. Never mind - after all it IS a five year plan and we are only just into year two...

Their restaurant works like this. Customers phone the day before to book a table so there are no "on spec" customers. All the meals are served at 8pm so there is just one sitting. They are given a choice over the phone of two starters, two main courses and two desserts and order in advance. She says she will cater for special requests too. She then shops next day so all the ingredients are fresh, many of them she grows herself. She does all the cooking so the maximum number she will cater for is 20 and the restaurant is open from May to October. She says she is invariably full and turning people away so will be very pleased if I start something similar as she will refer her extra callers my way. I'm so excited about this - I thought one of the main problems we might have would be attracting customers as we are well off a main road. I also love the idea of cooking to order so there is no wastage.

She tried tonight's menu on us. We had a wonderful home made mushroom and herb paté on very thin toast with tomato marmalade. Then we had pork loin with juniper and garlic dressing, tiny buttered new potatoes and green beans in a chili and mustard dressing. For desert we had fresh black figs and sliced oranges with honey and yogurt. Then lovely coffee. No wine as a) one of us had to drive and we had work to do this afternoon and b) she had cranberry juice, which is something I absolutely crave.

I will definitely be stealing her recipes as well as her customers!

[Thomzo]

Hi
I've always fancied running a restaurant where the diners are encouraged to interact. Perhaps by putting them all on one big table and having someone to get the conversation going. As a single girl, I never go to a restaurent on my own and this might be a nice way for people to meet each other.

I really like the sound of no-waste. So much food is wasted by the catering industry.

Zoe

[MuddyWitch]

Sounds brilliant! I wish you all the best with the venture.

(*makes note to visit when next in France*)

MW