Wine with gusto?

A poor turnout at Cafe Latin in Valbonne, the subject of my picture today, perhaps implies that some are losing the faith in church on Friday mornings. Or perhaps it is half term and people have gone skiing? Much as I had planned in fact, but reports filtering back of queues and traffic warnings changed our collective mind about going to Greolier Les Neiges today.

Cafe Latin, empty in the morning sunshine

I say collective decision, but as regular readers will know by now, if that nice lady decorator makes a decision, then democratic convention in our house means that no more discussion is required. It is a refreshingly direct form of government, much in the image of Kim I’ll Jong, no prevarication even considered, clear concise control in the hands of one clear minded individual.

I guess the only real difference in Korean government attitudes to the system under which I exist, where certain dogs can do no wrong, however disgusting, disobedient and dishonest their actions, is that dogs do not get away with murder over there, in fact very much the literal opposite, so in one respect when I come to consider the cataclysmic cocker spaniel, Banjo, the Korean system is superior. Canine gonad garnish anyone?

So I could not be sure that our vicar and leader Mr Humphries was free, and was unable to collect any fashion tips for the coming week. Josef, my Persian friend turned up too late even for the collection, and him claiming to be a good catholic. There cannot be too may Iranian catholics…I trust confession will be on his list of appointments for later today after Friday prayers.

Anybody want any free kids books? That might resonate with anyone childish enough to read this daily column which, incidentally will be a year old on 22nd March. Lin Wolff at the English Book Centre in Valbonne is giving away children’s books at the shop next Thursday in aid of World Book Day. Of course she is hoping that you might actually buy some books as well at the same time. I have not selected a venue for the launch of my book yet (provisionally entitled “A year In The Life Of The Idle Rich In Valbonne”), but, as long as she doesn’t decide to give away childish books from authors who live in Valbonne, I think I may have found just the place.

Last night, following the advice from The Daily Telegraph, I forsook my apparently misguided period of alcohol avoidance and after a brief sojourn to The Queens Legs to pick up and consume the minimum daily dose as prescribed by that august publication, we found ourselves at Le Kavanou, the wine bar in Valbonne. We are joined thereby a motley selection of pleasure seekers, Lady Jill, Timbuckto, Gerald Gomis, former professional rugby player and the worst golfer I have even encountered with his delectable wife Pippa, the grand poo bah of France for Currencies Direct and wine was drink with gusto. Gusto is of course a kind of tapas, which tends to give one wind in profusion especially if you are that nice lady decorator.

Then, when stumbling out of the wine bar late in the evening, we made a very important discovery, there is a new Indian restaurant in Valbonne. Lurking in the back street, I am reluctant to reveal its name or location until I have tested it rigorously. Older inhabitants of the village will remember the rather over priced and equally ordinary Indian restaurant located close to Cafe Latin several years ago, it is fervently hoped by this writer, who is particularly partial to this style of cuisine, that this establishment is superior. All that will be required to avoid ever returning to the UK is a proper English pub serving London Pride, and I can die a happy man.

Chris France