L'île Bleue

L'île Bleue
Specialites Poissons et Coquillages
3, Rue de Strasbourg
71100 Chalon sur Saône

Tel.: 03 85 48 39 83
Fax.: 03 85 48 72 58 

30th August 2001

This was our first stop on the way back home from our motoring holiday in France. L'île Bleue is a small, but perfectly formed restaurant, specialising in seafood.

They had a table for us, and a couple of aperitifs helped us scan the menu.

Marg, again, had no appetite and decided to have just a starter - the Bruschetta. This was well flavoured, though the bread was a little soggy, rather than crisp.

I wanted to sample the seafood, and selected Fish Soup, followed by a mixed seafood grill.

I really fancied a cool, sparkling wine, because it was so hot, but the reaction of mine host was unmistakable: "sparkling wine with SOUP???", so I asked for her advice.

A local red wine was selected, but unfortunately I was halfway through the first glass before both the waitress and I realised simultaneously that they had sent the wrong bottle - even though I'd examined it and said "OK"!! It was immediately replaced, even though I said it was of no consequence - AND it didn't appear on the bill.

The fish soup was initially a little strongly flavoured for my taste - but this soon changed as I got into the swing of things - the taste just got better and better. My main course was a mixture of crevettes, salmon, and other fish I didn't recognise. All absolutely excellent.

This restaurant was a surprise to me. Even though it is on a major river, it is quite a long way from the sea, yet the produce is obviously in peak condition - all the flavours were clean and fresh, the presentation accomplished and the service "just so".

The bill came to 320FF (£30.97) Astounding!

Highly Recommended

Sandro