L’Atelier de Claude-Giraud, 11510 Treilles

Treilles is another little village which you would never suspect harbours a gourmet restaurant. Claude Giraud was previously the chef in a 2 star Michelin restaurant in nearby Narbonne, but in 2011 he opened his own place in this picturesque old winery and it’s going great guns, not only due to the excellent food but also to the outgoing personality of the chef/owner who is highly visible and audible in the open kitchen and at the bar.

We went there at lunchtime when the menu du jour at 16 euros is excellent value. That day the starter on that menu was mousse of brandade of cod , or pain tomate, followed by filet of bream with girolles mushrooms. On this menu the dessert is always decided by the chef, and it was strawberry soup with vanilla ice cream. There is a wide choice on the a la carte menu, including several sophisticated local fish and seafood dishes (the Mediterranean  is less than 20 minutes away) as well as excellent steaks. The main courses range between 18 and 23 euros and the desserts, which include a stunning creation made with  macaroons, raspberries and raspberry coulis, and a delicious chocolate cake, are approximately 10 euros.

The wine list is reasonable and consists of mainly local wines. We chose a 2009 white Les Sentiers from Mas Cremat, a cave on the road to Estagel which makes a range of excellent value wines.