By mid April most things should be open - it's only earlier that they are still resting. The Belle Etoile was definitely closed last year, because of the rock slide issue, but I haven't heard anything to indicate that it is closed now.

I had dinner at Cabanoix et Chataigne in Domme. Very pretty place. I wrote about it in my report, but that was back in 2006, so....


"Cabenoix et Chataigne in Domme. This is a cute little restaurant in the center of Domme. The daily offerings are written on a blackboard. The menu is somewhat adventurous for the region..a lamb tajine, a porcini risotto, etc, along with several fish offerings and foie gras in quite a few permutations. We had a decent, if unexciting meal and my opinion is that the place should concentrate on doing a few things well rather than overreach. The desserts were excellent and the place is convenient in tourist-oriented Domme."

Belle Etoile will be open the Friday and Saturday before Easter.That is very good news.I think our plan for Easter Sunday will be a picnic composed of foods purchased at Sarlat market on Saturday.......and,hopefully, warm sunshine.We will check out Cabenoix for another evening.Your suggestions are appreciated and so add to the delight of planning this trip.

Two very recent recommendations:
La Gabarre, St Julien de Lampon - about 15 km.east of Sarlat.
We were there last night (and several times last year) and it is really excellent. The chef worked at Le Grand Bleu in Sarlat, with the team that obtained a Michelin Star. His wife does front of house, and is charming. Two course menus at lunch, 2-3 at dinner.

I had foie gras with rhubarb confit, spring lamb 'two ways', one being with very interesting spicing, from somewhere in the Middle East. Then a strawberry tart beautifully presented, with basil ice cream. Great food, inventive cooking, great location, above the Dordogne. Highly recommended. (Sorry, I dont take photos - usually too busy appreciating the food.)
http://www.restaurantlagabarre.com/carte.htm

Monpazier, Bistrot 2.
Earlier in the week we were in Monpazier, buying fabric at Karine B, lots of Provencal type fabric, and even better as they were getting rid of ends of line, at 50% off. Just across the square (Forail) is the Bistrot 2. Again an excellent meal, as we sat under the wisteria, had white asparagus with lemon cream dressing, large and very tender pork chop with oven roasted potatoes, strawberries with almond cream, for 19.75 Euros.
http://bistrot2.fr/

Bring back Chocolate covered walnus and the walnut oil from the moulin St Nathalie(sp?)

The moulin is at Ste Nathalene, not far away. GOod oil, and an intersting tour.

And we make the chocolate covered walnuts, which are sold in lots of places, right here in Carlux. In fact when we still lived in Toronto we found them in a gourmet shop down the street.

Thanks for the recent reviews, Carlux! I appreciate your contributuions so much. I'm interested in the fabric info too.... Hmmm, better start a new thread....