To say that the Restaurant Charbonnel, at the Hotel Chabrol, is the most exquisite dining experience in Brantome is an understatement.

We chose the 34 euro menu, accompanied by a glass or two of the superb Julien de Savignac rose.

Before the meal, they served a delicious icy beetroot gaspacho with compliments.

I started with Le marbre de foie gras de canard, fine gelee de Monbazillac, pain viennois maison. The foie gras was delicious, served with little touches of sweetness on the plate

My friend had Le saumon fume maison, label rouge, servi en tartare, mesclun de saison, sauce cocktail. Both taste and presentation were superb.

Before the main, we we served a delicious sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Next came Le confit de canard, sauce Perigeux, pommes de terre grenaille au jus de viande. The duck was tender and sauce delicious.

The other choice, Le Paleron de veau cuit a basse temperature, jus de blanquette au vin jaune
was a superbly tender veal dish

Before dessert, we were given a ‘pre-dessert’

We finished the evening with La farandole de desserts, a delicious selection of desserts