La Récréation in Les Arques, in the Lot
 

We've had a couple of wonderful meals at La Récréation, but I know that it changed ownership a couple of years ago, or maybe longer. Could anyone who's eaten there recently let me know how it is now. Thanks in advance.

We dined there 3 1/2 weeks ago - excellent - much better than we expected (based on all the hype, and the fact there are new owners). Very good scallop appetizer dish. La Recreation was even "pushed" by the owners of the Gite where we stayed for 2 weeks on the Lot (Puy l'Eveque).

We spend 2 months in France most years, so we therefore dine at restaurants about 30 times each year. We go for the "better" restaurants. We enjoyed La Recreation more than we did a "famous" Michelin 1 star in the same region. In fact, it was better than two 1 stars in the region (another 1 star was better than La Recreation, IMO).

Stu Dudley

Thank you so much, Stu -- there is no one whose opinion I trust more than yours. We're spending 2 weeks in La Roque-Gageac (off-season, in October) and then 2 weeks in the Aveyron, west of Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Did you happen to eat in Cahors, or north of Puy l'Eveque? Thanks again for your help.

Here are our favorites around the Lot River within a 35 mins drive of Puy l'Eveque.

Best two:
- Gindreau in St Mecard. Michelin 1 star - probably our best meal in this region
- Chateau de Mercues - just west of Cahors. Michelin 1 star - for a splurge. Better menu/food than I expected.

Excellent:
La Recreation in Les Arques
La Garenne just off the 820 north of Cahors

Don't bother:
- Marco in Lamagdelaine just east of Cahors. Michelin 1 star. Very ordinary menu selections and ordinary presentation. New chef (Marco's son). I would be surprised if it is still a 1 star two years from now if everything remains the same. Same comments on Trip Advisor by some French guests. The majority of our no-star meals in France have been better.
- La Table des Sens in Villeneuve sur Lot. Nothing special. My wife enjoyed her meal here more than I did.

Stu Dudley

Thanks again, Stu. It's especially good to hear your opinion about Marco, where we had a wonderful lunch years ago. I think we'll try La Garenne on the day we drive from La Roque-Gageac to Martiel. I appreciate your help.

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