Garriane 66000 Perpignan

Their concept is simple:  a lunchtime menu, costing 16 euros, which consists of a starter, a  choice between two main dishes, salad and dessert and  in the evenings, a more elaborate menu-dégustation, consisting of a three piece starter , a fish dish, a meat dish, cheese and a three item dessert course,  excellent value at Euros 29.  The weekly menu changes every week and the evening  menu every month.  So far  I have only eaten there at lunchtime but will definitely be returning to try the evening fare.   My recent  lunch consisted of  a shrimp cocktail with chickpeas, coriander and an avocado mousse followed by  shank of lamb with English-style mashed potatoes – fluffy rather than pureed – a mixed green salad,  and tiramisu with strawberries.  It was a perfectly balanced meal  and to accompany it  I chose a 2009 red wine called Eclipse  from Mas Laguerre in St. Paul de Fenouillet.   Unfortunately though,  when current stocks run out,  this wine will not be available for several years  as the majority of the  Domaine’s vines were destroyed in the Spring snowstorm of 2010 and the vineyard is only  producing  a limited quantity  of wine until the damage has been repaired.  Fear not though, there is a very extensive  wine list otherwise , mostly from the Languedoc-Roussillon  area, but Gary admitted to a weakness for Italian wines and there are also some interesting Spanish listings.

This restaurant is  definitely a  “trouvaille”  – offering  excellent cuisine and great value for money.   It’s  advisable  to reserve though as the room is fairly small and the restaurant is particularly busy in the evenings.   So next time you’re at the  Centre of the World  give  Garriane  a try – you won’t be disappointed!