In France, an “evening with friends” often means a as much as “an evening in the restaurant”. This time it took us to “L’Authentic” a restaurant in Saint Christol, east of Montpellier. In his restaurant, which is part of the wine tourism complex VIAVINO, Jérôme Fanguin offers a semi-gastronomic Mediterranean cuisine.

The restaurant consists of a large, modern space dominated by wood, which is adjacent to the open kitchen, as well as a shaded terrace. The welcome is warm and the service friendly and efficient.

For an aperitif we opt for wine, a Languedoc from Saint Saturnin, that will accompany us throughout the evening. The wine list is impressive, both in terms of selection, as well as quality. The menu is in no way inferior to it, stimulating our salivary glands: beef from the Massif Central with “beurre maître d’hôtel”, semi-cooked foie gras, perfumed with Cartagène (a local sweet wine) from Saint Chritol and honey cake jelly, Estoffinado (a dish made from stockfish, potatoes, walnut oil, eggs ...) with pimento from Espelette ... One plate follows the other on our table, in the middle of chattering and laughter. A successful evening. Great final with the deserts: a “Royal au chocolat” and a”Délice aux Poires", a delicacy of pears with a core of molten, salty caramel...

What remains of the evening? The memory of extremely tasty dishes, with fresh products from the region, prepared with simplicity and efficiency… and much laughter. Thank you girls for the wonderful evening!