Bodegas, Brocantes, Marchés OH MY!

Though the weather hasn't been too fair, we have managed to have some busy times this weekend! The month of August is very busy for people of the Dordogne region, with the marché nocturnal, marché, brocante, vide grenier, bodega and more all happening all the time. This weekend, we went to a marché, a vide grenier, a bodega, a brocante, and to cap it all off, a beautiful Sunday lunch. WHEW!


Saturday started with the marché and vide grenier in Belvès. A vide grenier is another sort of flea market type event. It means literally , "to empty your attic", and I happily helped someone out by purchasing a "new" purse to replace my falling apart one I have been using. And at 5 Euros, its nearly the same amount as the basket of strawberries we get every morning for the guests! Mixed in between the treasures waiting to be found, was the marché, full of yummy fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. 

As large as your hand!

Hunk of cheese

Chicken on a Spit, with potatoes cooking underneath with the rendering fat. YUM

The same stand that had the chicken and potatoes had a wonderful red sauce with sausages. The sauce, called Rougail is traditionally served over rice, had tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, the sliced sausages, and ginger. It comes from the islands (who typically also include peppers in it to make it spicy),  and is a nice slow simmering dish.

Recipe!

The recipe is quick, easy,and can be used on rice (as we had), chicken, fish, vegetables, pasta, anything!



Saturday night we went to a bodega, which is essentially a street fair. This particular bodega was in Cenac, the same village where the wine fair was last weekend (see post on Cenac), apparently the people here like to have a party! The bodega was held to raise money for the Rugby team of Cenac, as they have their first match on August 29th against another local team from Saint Cyprien. Upon entry, one is greeted by the many scents of fish, beef & sausages on the bar-b-ques, as well as rugby players serving the beer. However, I think the players were drinking as much beer, if not more, then what they were serving! Similar to the wine tasting, we sat underneath a large tent and shared food with our friends. 

Festive, non?

fishy fishies

We had an assortment of food, with a plate of duck (of course), some sausages, and the above fish. Good, simple food that doesn't need any explanation, and brings the community together for a fun cause. After the food, a Basque-style Brass band played, along with Pom-Pom girls. If only my photos had turned out as they were all decked out in traditional Basque white and red and were really fun to watch. They, along with the DJ that came on when they were done, travel around to all the Bodegas, much like a traveling Circus. And speaking of the DJ, man oh man was he fun. We stayed for awhile dancing and humming along to the French tunes that I don't know any of the words to. However, when The Black Eyed Peas "Tonights Gunna be a Good Night" and a techno version of  Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" came on, I was happily singing along. We left at 12:30, far before the party had any sort of inkling to stop the music.  I tried to upload a video of all the music and lights but the connection just isn't strong enough. I will try to work on it, so you can see a lot of French people of all ages singing, dancing. There was even a couple trying to do some sort of French line dancing in the midst of the crowd. Below is just the best picture I could get from the event.

Sunday started slowly, and after the guests left breakfast, we headed off to another brocante. This was a little bit of a drive and unfortunately the whole time we were there it was POURING down rain, sadly ruining some antiques that couldn't get covered quick enough. We decided it was time to eat, and headed to a lovely restaurant, called Auberge Lou Peyrol. Off the beaten path, you can discover this wonderful place. For those from Sonoma County, it slightly resembles The Washoe House, as it was the old road for the travelers heading out to sea (Bordeaux), though obviously, it is MUCH more French and really maintained. It is run by a fabulous duo of a French chef, and his English wife in the front of the house. Not having too much time before some new guests were to arrive at the B&B, we only ordered a la carte, but it was utterly delicious.

Duck Confit with Stuffed & Grilled Veggies

Goat Cheese & Honey Salad

Naturally, there was some duck ordered, which was the best confit I have had here (out of three so far). The giant white circle in the plate? A whole head of garlic, cut in half and roasted, amazing spread on some bread. The vegetables were stuffed with herbs and cheese (a mild goat we think). I mean, how could you go wrong with anything on that plate? The cheese and honey salad was surrounded by fresh apple slices and baby tomatoes, as well as some local walnuts and the cured duck breast meat. YUMMY.


The meal was a perfect conclusion to a fun filled, fantastic weekend!