Bonjour Mon Vieil Ami Lyon - I

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

Hello again my old friend, Lyon.

Good to be back & the sun is shining in autumn.

There are three lunches booked across the next few days. Two favourites & a new venue.

After a morning stroll along the cobbles & watching runners head off for the Lyon Marathon/Half Marathon/10k I am hungry.

Vieux Lyon, the old part of the city, is a great place to go wandering. History. Buildings. Puppets.

Puppets?

What?

Let's meet Guignol.

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

He first popped up (as it were) in the 19th Century here. He came about via a popular figure in Lyon called Gnafron. According to local tales he was 'a bit of a buffoon, a bit clumsy, but always benevolent.' I like him already. Is he a little like our own Punch but less angry?

Anyhow, I make his acquaintance as I make my way for a Lyon Sunday lunch.

Here's my destination & a new discovery.

https://restaurant-le-vieux-lyon.com/en/services

So glad that I had booked. 

It's a popular haunt. Space & tables a premium.

A warm welcome & I am in.

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

Burgundy Snails to begin & with no toolkit to deal with to open the blighters

Bread to soak up all of that delicious garlic (make that very garlicky) & parsley oil

The main event was Chicken Suprême with Frites & Cep Sauce

Some bubbles to begin proceedings followed by a glass of a local Côtes du Rhône 

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

The snails might have been the best I've ever had. Plump, meaty, tender. 

The Suprême. The chicken breast & wing so moist & the mushroom sauce with the crunchy chips.

There's a gentle stroll home. A lengthy one, too, but that was fine because it was a Sunday afternoon in Lyon.

AMM