Food & Wine
Food and wine are an integral part of a barge cruise and we are delighted that our guests enjoy and are excited by the fare we serve. Each year the bar gets higher, as return guest make special requests for past dishes or note new favourites for their next cruise.
We spend the winter months practising new dishes and techniques to enhance the produce and dining experience.
We are currently cruising in France’s fabulous Burgundy region, enjoying the wonderful wines and rich variety of produce that makes this region the gastronomic centre of France. Whilst cruising the Nivernais Canal we are between the Sancerre Loire vineyards and the world renowned Burgundy vineyards of Chablis. We bring the best of both worlds to our cellar and have a wonderful variety of wines to share with you.
Wine
Earl spends his winter months researching, and discovering new wines and wineries, a very rewarding task! He is always refreshing and developing his collection of wines, seeking out and adding some exceptional treasures to share with you.
His selection is impressive, probably the largest cellar and variety of wines offered on the canals of France. He encourages you to taste, comment and enjoy his collection. Earl has visited the wineries of all the wines we carry on board, for him, knowing the winery and wine makers is a big part of enjoying the wine.
Food
Inspired by hundreds of years, French cuisine is truly world-renowned. A highlight of each day will be the lavish meals created for you, using regional flavours and incorporating traditional dishes.
The emphasis in the cuisine on board is the use of fresh, locally produced ingredients. We use organic products where possible, flours, oils, vegetables, meats and cheeses. We will not say that we are wholly organic, however we consciously bring the best elements for taste and health into our dishes.
Sample Menu
A Salad Char Grilled Quail With Rose & Pomegranite
Ballotine of Lamb Filet Stuffed With Spinach & Foie Gras, Served with a Garlic Jus, Soft Polenta, & Spring Vegetables.
Selection of Local Organic Cheeses
Avocado Pannacotta With Wild Strawberry Coulis
Lunch
Lunches are loved by all our guests. Lunches are an assortment of light and fresh salads and platters served « family style » so you may help yourselves and enjoy the relaxed informal setting. All freshly made and with the best of ingredients. Desserts are a favourite course for Fiona and vary from the best of apple tarts to passionfruit soufflés. They are all delicious and as Earl will tell you, « mostly fruit »! Dinners are more refined affairs, four course feasts, still using the freshest of ingredients and locally sourced meats and fish. All meals are accompanied by carefully selected wines from Earl’s extensive cellar, making for an exceptional dining experience.
Cheese
Wine and cheese are a natural combination. We offer a variety of cheeses from all regions of France, our emphasis is on small regional producers, local where appropriate, and preferably organic. The Burgundy region is home to a wide variety of cheeses and we will make sure you get to explore the regions best.
