L'Estaminet - Saint-Pierre-du-Mont

Dinner here was a delight. We had the menu: rabbit terrine, bavette and a choice of pudding or cheese, with good local wine. All very French, all very good.

We started our canal holiday on the Nivernais canal at Tannay. I did the short walk to this what appeared from the outside a little local bar I decided it was the closest place to eat not holding out any hope it would be any...good. I was wrong the food was exelent as was the service. Appearances can be deceptive. A pleasant surprise.

Such a cute and friendly place. Very charming. We arrived for lunch, and they just started bringing food without our ordering. The salad had a circle of surimi (not my favorite), and delicious mayonnaise, fresh red leaf lettuce, and a very good tomato. Perfect. Then...they brought a casserole to the table of lasagna I declined, but my husband, who'll eat anything, scarfed it down. It looked horrible. He liked it. But THEN they brought a plate of six local cheeses, all cow, which were fabulous and one of the reasons why we travel. And THEN a mousse au chocolat, which was divine. With a good pitcher of local rouge, we were both happy. If you're in Tannay, definitely go there. You must pass by the bar with jovial local men, and they enjoy a good repartee.

Our group of six arrived late on a Sunday. Our hostess played the part of Cozette from Les Miserable and found our hungry tribe meals to remember from her depleted kitchen. She was charming, the food was memorable, her husband talked her into opening the...closed kitchen for us, but he was equally hospitable. We were leaving the next day on a self-drive cruise of Canal de Nivernais.

We were a group of ten starting our canal holiday on a Sunday, so I was a bit anxious about booking such a large party. I need not have worried. The tables were all arranged for us and the welcome most hospitable. The selection of...food was superb and all our party said what a great meal they had at very reasonable prices.