A la Colthard/ Colombe d’Or

I make no apologies for reviewing again this restaurant which I visited with a friend yesterday. What makes it so special?

Firstly, it is the setting in St Paul de Vence, a hillside town, in an old inn. Although the dining room houses the exceptional art collection on a warm day a table on the terrace under the trees is the more preferable.

Secondly it’s the tradition. Yves Montand and Simone Signoret married there in 1951 and  it has long been a favourite of film stars possibly because of its discretion too. The food is more than adequate with the 30 dish hors d’eoeuvres outstanding.

It’s not that expensive either.

On the menu they offer the acceptable house wine and don’t push the more expensive ones.

My friend ordered snails served up with tomatoes in a form of cassoulette (stew).

I was agreeably surprised how tasty this was as the flavoursome local tomatoes did not drown but complement the snails.

I went for the hors d’oeuvres.

My rack of lamb carre d’agneau was slightly on the fatty side. I finished with the apple tart.

We could have done with the weather being 10 degrees warmer but once again a memorable experience and, at just over £100 a head with a complimentary grappa thrown, in not a ridiculously dear one.

Three years ago we spotted Rupert Murdoch honeymooning there with Jerry Hall. If I ever remarry my husband would have to take me there !!