"QG"

"QG" or quartier général is a term that derives from its original military meaning of headquarters. During conversation class this week, I asked our teacher if there was an expression in french that equates to "favourite hang-out" or "favourite restaurant".  She replied that "QG" is the expression of the moment.  I have never had a favourite restaurant in my life.  I have eaten at many restaurants and there are many that I have enjoyed, but I have never had a restaurant that has made me feel both at home and well fed.  That is until I ate at Le P'tit Cageot.  Click here to hear how I feel when I go to Le P'Tit Cageot. This is a cute and cosy restaurant just 30 metres from our house.

It is a relatively new restaurant that has opened in Antibes in the last year.  It is owned and operated by a lovely young couple, with Roxane taking care of the front of the house and her husband Arnaud preparing the meals.  A cageot is a crate that is usually filled with vegetables freshly purchased from a local market.  Arnaud uses seasonal produce to create beautifully constructed meals that are extremely pleasing to the palate.  We have eaten at Le P'tit Cageot four times and we usually go for the 17 euro lunch time formula that includes a Plat du jour, un café gourmand (coffee with a selection of pastries) and une verre de vin. With the current exchange rate that is roughly 25 dollars, which for the Côte d'Azur, is considered a great deal.  For Valentine's day, Ginger and I decided to try something different and we left the girls at home and headed out for an evening celebration.  Arnaud did not disappoint as we were treated to a spectacular four-course meal.

Our first dish was a Salade Jardinière Legumes.  As you can see from the photo, Arnaud takes pride in the presentation of his dishes.  This was an appealing light salad that consisted of avocado with a lime sauce, surrounded by raw vegetables.  It was the perfect start to our meal.

Next came the Gravlax de Saumon.  Earlier in the day, I had popped into the restaurant to chat with Roxane to ensure that our table was reserved and to appease my curiosity regarding the menu for the evening.  She asked me if we ate everything and I, of course, said "Oui Oui."  I have been known to reply in the double affirmative when I am completely confused as to the what the question is.  This was one of those times.  Now to be completely honest, raw meat and raw fish are not really my truc (thing).  That being said, I absolutely loved this dish of raw salmon that had been marinated in a light sauce.  It was a very well selected continuation of the meal.

Our main course was Magret de Canard.  Roxane asked me how I wanted it cooked and I said that I would like it well done.  She let me know that I didn't actually want it well done, so I said that I would leave it up to Arnaud to determine how it should be prepared.  I am thankful that she knows me well enough to feel that she can tell me when I am making a wrong decision as the preparation was sublime.  

Our meal was capped with a Fondant Chocolat.  This delicious chocolate brownie was topped with a thin layer of a sugar cookie with small dabs of passion fruit infused whipped cream swirled on the surface.  It was decadently delicious.

A rich and delightful noisette coffee was the perfect end to our evening.  This was a bit out of character for Ginger and me as we don't usually go out on Valentine's day.  I feel that we do a great job of expressing our love for each other every day, but I have to admit that sharing such a wonderful meal in such an intimate setting with my partner whom I adore made for a night that I will cherish forever.