I went to the Olympics by myself, and stayed in St Cyr, because it was closest to the Equestrian…read morevenue. My first evening in France, I walked up the street to a little market and bought some groceries, and noticed this restaurant across the street. I was reading the menu posted outside, and debating whether to go in, when the owner popped his head out the door, said they weren't really open yet, but I should come in anyway, and have a drink while I decided. I walked in, and he looked at my small bag of groceries, and said - "Oh, those must go in the refrigerator while you dine!" Thus began the most exquisite, thoughtful service I have ever had at a restaurant in fifty years. The food was amazing! The melon starter with a little basil drizzle, wrapped in Jambon ham... the combination of the perfectly ripe melon with the slight saltiness of the silken acorn fed ham - celestial! The main dish was duck - so good! The wine the sommelier recommended to go with the duck was an inspired pairing. The dessert was a lemon meringue single serving confection that is possibly the best dessert I have ever eaten. Everything you have heard about French/Spanish cooking in one ethereal gastronomic ecstasy. I returned to Plein Sud four times while I stayed in France, every time I was greeted like family - specifically like everyone's favorite aunt who is rich enough to take the kids along on her world traveling adventures. On my last day in France, I was shopping in Versailles, and I ran into 3 members of the family/staff in one of the stores there. They knew it was my last day - but they were all so happy to see me, and we discussed our shopping... They weren't on the clock, outside of work, but they were still some of the nicest, most delightful people I have met. I cannot recommend Plein Sud enough. With the Olympics over, I have no particular reason to return to France, except to go back to my favorite restaurant in the world.
