For Tuscany, the Carla Catalbo book seems to be the Bible. For France and Paris it seems to be Patricia Wells and The Food Lover's Guide to France. It was published in 1987.

We're going to be renting in the Dordogne for 3 weeks next spring. Are there any more current restaurant guides?

Merci!
Edna

There's always the Michelin Red Guide, Edna. We ate extremely well in France (including the Dordogne) by using Michelin a number of years ago. The Michelins are not enjoyable armchair reading like the Capalbo and Wells books, but they are great for pinpointing restaurants. They don't just concentrate on the expensive, formal places either- plenty of wonderful, good-value "fork" restaurants. And there is a 2002 edition.

I just took a brief look around, and see that Charming Small Hotels and Restaurants of Southern France is coming out this summer. That may be worth taking a look at when you're at a bookstore.

Amy in MA
Amy's House Exchange

Edna:

The Guide du Routard is always a good bet for good, reasonably priced places to eat anywhere in France. Apart from that, I own a home in the Dordogne and live there a couple of months a year or more, so if you want specific recommendations, let me know where you'll be based and I'll try to steer you to some good local restaurants. It's really hard to find a bad meal in the Périgord.

Welcome to the Slow Travelers Board! It's a pleasure to have you contributing here. As you know I'm a fan of yours from the AOL Francophile Board.

Thanks to your recommendation we rented a house for the first 3 weeks of June from Colleen at Simply Perigord. What a delight she's been! It's between Lalinde and Beaumont.

I would love your suggestions. They can be all price ranges and towns within a half hours drive for dinner. On the days that we have lunch out because of our exploring the region we would even appreciate suggestions farther afield.

Merci!
Edna

Bonjour! We'll be based in Sarlat for a week in late Sept. Any suggestions in Sarlat or nearby?

Thanks in advance

Oh, Edna, it's YOU!! Hello. And hello to you, too Keith. ALL my suggestions are within about a half-hour of Sarlat, which, oddly enough as it is the market hub of the region and a famous gathering for truffle and foie gras purveyors, doesn't really have an outstanding restaurant.

Here goes:

l'Esplanade in Domme. One of the best restaurants in the region. Reservations probably essential. Dinner - about 50 euros, though you can select a far less expensive menu and still eat very well.Also a fine hotel

La Table de Terroir in La-Chapelle-Aubareil (just south of Montignac in the middle of nowhere, but worth the drive). Wonderful local specialties..30-450 euros.

Ooops, I have to run to pick up a kid, but will come back later to complete the list.

To continue....

Le Relais des Cinq Châteaux in Vitrac. Haven't been there since the switch to the euro, but it's moderately expensive. Nice to sit on the terrace, where there's a view of five châteaux.

Le Bois Safran in Audrix - a welcome change from all tht foie gras and truffles, it serves both regional specialties and delicious Moroccan dishes. About 25-35 euros.

Restaurant La Bastide in Monpazier - a favorite local restaurant in one of the country's most beautiful bastide towns. Down-to-earth cooking at moderate prices in an eclectic setting.

Le Tournepique, on the bridge under the château de Castelnaud. This has changed hands since we last ate there, but it's still worth a try. Inexpensive to moderate local dishes served on a series of enclosed terraces stretching out over the river Dordogne. With the castle lit up above you and the restaurant lights twinkling on the river below, a late dinner there in summer is magical.

Le Vieux Moulin (restaurant of the Moulin de la Beune) in Les Eyzies - moderately priced restaurant, very nicely appointed, by a rushing stream. Try the risotto aux truffes.

L'Abbaye in St-Cyprien - an old-school, elegant (some might say stuffy) restaurant - very hush-hush, but the food is wonderful. Moderate to expensive.

Hi St. Cirq,

I knew that once I mentioned Colleen at Simply Perigord you'd remember me. When are you planning to be in the Dordogne? If we coincide you have to come for dinner and drinks!!!

Best Regards.
Edna

Thanks for all the info!!!

Yes, Edna, that's what tipped me off. I just got a nice fat bill from Colleen today She takes good care of us, though.

I'll be back in the Dordogne briefly beginning September 21 - giving my first culinary tour (4 dayz chez moi, then 4 days in Provence with PBProvence). Should be interesting. We've talked about doing this for a few years now, and it's almost upon us!

Send me an e-mail with your dates if you think we'll coincide. Perhaps you could join US for dinner with our tour guests in St-Cirq.

St. Cirq,

I only wish I could join you then. Unfortunately, I have to wait till next year. We arrive May 29 and are there for 3 weeks.

Until then,
Edna

St. Cirq:

Welcome and thanks so very much for all of that great restaurant info.

I've been wanting to beef up the activity on the France board (as has Colleen, I'm sure) and I'm so happy you're contributing.

Best,

David, usually in NYC