Le Gil

Église Notre-Dame

After writing so much about other cities and feeling the suddenly creeping moment of my departure, I would like to post about another good restaurant in Poitiers. Although I haven't stayed long enough and haven't had the money that would allow me to try all the places I have passed by and interested me, I managed to have some good food here. Everyone seems to have a love/hate relationship with Poitiers, which in my opinion is this cute little French town (not so little, about 120.000 people) in the Poitou-Charentes region. When I arrived, Poitiers was all I imagined it to be and more. At the start I couldn't deal with the medieval buildings and look of things, I would squeal every five steps I took - I'm surprised I made any friends here at all. I live in the center of the town, in a very old building... next to me is a house from the 16th century and in the end of my street the Cathédral Saint Pierre, from the 13th century. It's so much history bundled up together that it takes some time to get used to. Now my friends and I joke that anything built from the mid 1800's is almost brand new. I mean there is a church from the 4th century here... how mind-blowing is that? 

I believe that it's only when people visit me that I am reminded of that early stage of amazement I was in the beginning. Unfortunately I tend to get used to the most stunning of views after living in them for a while - I would think most people do. So good thing for me my Brazilian friend that lives in London came to visit! Her excitement while we walked through the streets I am now so used to taking on every day made me revisit that same feeling. And I loved it.

Cathédrale Saint Pierre

I took advantage of the fact she was here and ate out a lot. One of the places I took her was Le Gil, a cute little bistro on the Charles de Gaulle square. Every day of the week they have a "plat du jour" for 8€, which isn't bad. I had eaten there before with my mom and the crème brulée was perfect - I risk saying the best I've had in France so far.

The first time, the choice of the day was a diced turkey in a creamy sauce, served with spaghetti, a tomato purée and spinach. The food was great! But the best part was the presentation. The plate was organized and the tomato and spinach came in little balls. I love eating out of beautifully set plates. Don't they say "We always eat first with our eyes"? Or is that only in my country? Well, I definitely eat first with my eyes. If the food looks weird or is badly presented, it will probably not taste as good as it is. If it is well-presented, maybe it might even taste better, just from the pleasure of looking at it. After the main course, we ordered a crème brulée which was divine! The crust was perfect and warm, the cream was cold and it all tasted incredible. That's why I went back again!

Preeetty!

When my friend was here, the choice was a kind of braised beef arranged in a stick, with diced potatoes and salad (some leafs in a sauce and some carrots). The meat was delicious, specially now that I eat so little of it - I only appreciate it more when I do. The potatoes were crunchy but not greasy, sprinkled with some herbs. The salad, well, it's salad. It's hard to say that salad is great. I felt the potatoes were a great combination with the meat sauce, which was strong, so they cleaned the palate a little. I loved it, my friend loved it, we were ready for the crème brulée! 

Preeetty again!

And it came, in all its glory. I knew what to expect, but she didn't. It was as delicious as before, except that they made a change - no whipped cream ball on top anymore! What the hell? So it looked kind of plain, but it was great. I just liked the presentation of the first one better. Below you will see what I am talking about... 

Before

After

See what I mean?! Crazy people, giving up on whipped cream ball, powdered sugar and the little green leaf. One would feel much more comfortable paying 5.90€ for the first crème brulée than for the second one, all because of the presentation. Anyway, the both were great. Both put a smile on my lips and filled my heart with joy. 

The desperation came later when my friend insisted we should go again so she could have another one, this time with some coffee. No deal! They are only served after food, as a dessert. Who are you, crazy person that wants to have dessert at five in the afternoon? The French have weird ways of serving sometimes... I don't get this strange rule. My friend was obviously very upset but became calmer after we bought some éclairs to drown our sorrows. Not bad.

I will definitely miss France. Not just the food, although OBVIOUSLY the food. The people, the feel, even the language. I was in Germany this weekend (post about sausage and glühwein coming!) and whenever I heard French being spoken I felt a little warmth feeling (little because come on, I was in Germany, there can never be a huge warm feeling, it's too cold). I will also miss the friends I made here, the people from all over the world and the whole experience of being in a different culture... And I will miss Poitiers! I am leaving Poitiers, but Poitiers will never leave me! "Aller Poitiers!!!"

City: Poitiers, France
Restaurant: Bistrot Le Gil
Food: Good
Service: Good
Price: €