From a rib-sticking breakfast to a less thrilling luncheon

DATELINE: Sunday, Oct. 22, in Vaison and Entrechaux.

Today it was oatmeal again. I alternate breakfasts in Vaison between sweet pastry from the local baker and that stove-top staple. Actually, it's microwave oatmeal these days, fortified with blueberries, raisins, and cinnamon. I'm sure it'll help me grow up big and strong.

Shortly after that, Roz and I hit the trail at Théos Park for a two-miler in a stiffening breeze. Beautiful morning sunshine, but we were glad to get out of the wind by the time we got back to the car. This is predicted to be the first of three windy days.

Not exactly classic French architecture

After sprucing up, we fetched the car again from the Post Office lot. Then on toward the adjoining village of Crestet for today's lunchtime adventure. L'Epicurien is definitely a cut below the pretensions of other, more elegant dining venues: paper napkins and thin flimsy tableware utensils don't measure up.

But the waiter was eager to help, showing off his English as much as possible. He gave the menu to me in English, to Roz in French. He was also learning the ropes of a new handheld order-placing gadget and I could sympathize with his frustration. Still, he kept things coming pretty well as more diners were seated.

Best dish: R's gazpacho with potato wafer

But the food was uneven. Roz seemed fairly satisfied, but I noticed a few problems (surprise!). For example, my appetizer terrine was in gelatin so salty that the chopped rabbit might as well have been chicken. My main dish salmon was good, but the ratatouille on the plate with it was fantastic! I'd have happily swapped the salmon for a triple serving of the vegetable.

Dessert was good; hard to go wrong with warm chocolate and cold ice cream. But all told, the price was a little out of line, compared to the value we've found at more attractive venues. The locals know it -- it was the least busy of the three places we've eaten on Sunday this trip.

The 50 centiliter bottle of wine we had was pretty tasty, and helped me catch a good nap after I drove carefully home. Later, in the evening (still cold and windy outdoors), we had some prosecco and cheese while editing photos and writing for this blog.

More photos on the "Roz's photos" link to left. Scroll down to Day 19, or click here to go directly there.