Let's say you are wondering around the southern Rhone Valley and, after a morning or afternoon of wine tasting, you decide you want a lunch or dinner that fully complements the amazing wines you have tasted. One would think that the best restaurant might be in Châteauneuf du Pape or Gigondas (and there ARE some good restaurants in those villages). But by far the best meal you will have (and at a very reasonable cost for a gastronomic meal) is in the town of Sorgues, an industrial town next to Châteauneuf du Pape. La Table de Sorgues is in a beautiful building that was formerly the mansion of the Châteauneuf Avril family and then the local police headquarters. It now serves as the gastronomic headquarters of the Châteauneuf du Pape wine industry!
Until a few years ago Sandrine and Jean-Paul Lecroq ran the spectacular 4 star Chateau de La Caze in the Tarn Gorge in their native Cevennes Mountains. They loved their home and their restaurant/hotel. But they wanted to be nearer a larger wine and tourism center. Sandrine explains, "In 2012 we decided to establish a new professional and family life in a more popular tourist region." Jean-Paul learned to cook in his native region and worked in many famous restaurants throughout France. He only cooks what is absolutely fresh, so the menus changes every day based on what is freshest in the morning markets. Our lunch in August included Bresse chicken (regarded as the best in the world, or at least France) with white summer truffles, a fantastic cheese selection and a dessert made with "Pêche de Vigne," a rare peach with red flesh that only appears in southern France for a few days in August. Sandrine, who speaks perfect English, is also the sommelier. She served a superb 2011 white Châteauneuf from Clos du Mont Olivet and a red Vacqueyras from Le Clos de Caveau. Don't miss this place! read more
