Freda Wild

Club Des Aines

Sometimes we meet to play games, boules, belotes or scrabble. Sometimes we have outings. Sometimes we have a communal meal.
Last week we had a communal meal. The numbers vary from 100-300 but everyone is found a seat and we are waited on. The meals are usually five courses, sometimes more, and each course is accompanied by a drink. First of all we begin with the customary greetings at the door. Having lived here almost three years I mostly know who to kiss once, twice, three or four times and with whom to just to just shake hands. As you can imagine this takes some time especially when some people stay to chat which I always hope they do because it's one of the few opportunities I get to practise my french.
We began with a choice of apperitifs Ricard or whiskey with crispy nibbles and endless plates of sausages on sticks. I was assured that they were pure meat unlike British sausages which are famous for a variety of ingredients of which meat is often last on the list. Next came the starter which was a salmon steak and salad with a glass of white wine. The main course was freshly BBQ'd steak and chips. This was served with red wine of course. Next came the cheese and more red wine. The bread basket is continually replenished and there is always butter in Brittany. The sweet as usual was apple tart and delicious as was the chilled Champage which came with it. Coffee followed with the square of chocolate and last but not least a digestive. This was a local speciality made by one of our members. My table companion Clotilde gave me the recipe. You heat red wine and add sugar and plums and Eau de Vie and wait as long as you can. Not long for me as it was absolutely delicious rounded off the meal ideally.
During the meal between courses a microphone is passed around the tables and anyone who feels the urge can sing or tell a joke. The Doyenne of the village Simone who is 96 usually makes people laugh 'til they cry with her songs. She is word perfect. She is straight backed and has a lovely head of grey hair. If only we could all be so healthy at that age.
The meal began at midday and ended after 5 o'clock. The tables were quickly cleared away while the band warmed up and then the dancing began. We do mostly ballroom dancing on these occasions but also line dancing and the occasional Breton Dance. I think it finishes at about 8 o'clcock but I am usually too tired to stay to the end unlike most others who are much younger than I.

posted by Victoria Wild @ 2:16 pm