Bartavelle

Bartavelle is my favourite restaurant in the whole wide world and I try to eat there as much as possible. Owners Stephanie and Thibault consider food an art form. If they've enchanted the locals with their food, their daughter Margaux has won the hearts of the neighbourhood.

I try and eat there at least once a week and with each course I search for words to describe it to do the food justice. Tonight I found all the words I can think of and will take a cheat sheet with me next time so when Stephanie asks if it was fine I can check off all that apply without resorting just to "excellent". Here's a beginning list, but I'm sure there is more.

"amazing, astounding, awesome, brilliant, excellent, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, magnificent, marvelous, outstanding, peachy, phenomenal, pleasant, pleasing, remarkable, sensational, stupendous, super, superb, swell, terrific, tremendous, delectable, delicious, delightful, ambrosial, delish, distinctive, divine, enjoyable, enticing, exquisite, fit for king, good, gratifying, mouthwatering, nectarous, rich, savory, scrumptious, spicy, sweet, tasteful, tasty, tempting, well-prepared, well-seasoned, yummy, appetizing, flavorful, flavorsome, full-flavored, good-tasting, heavenly, luscious, tasteful, zestful, succulent"

The food is beautifully presented and excellent value for money. Thibault buys only the freshest everything locally, thus we may have a pesto made with olive dealer Joel's olive oil, fish that were swimming the day before, veggies that burst with flavour.

If you're in Argelès drop in at 24, rue de La Republique. But telephone for reservations at +33 (0) 4 30 44 50 56.


Easy to find. Look for the church tower and walk to the river for a couple of blocks. It is on the river. You'll be glad you did.