Fred's Newsletter 15.12.20
Matilde adds the star to our tree. (Do you see Ted?)
6 foot, or 9? 🎄
Good morning mes amis,
The four of us went to get our Christmas tree last night. Matilde came over with Ted, Camile joined us at l’escargot bleu, and off we went to Canonmills as we have done for the last 12 years (at least!).
I am in a happy mood. The question arises as we are still in the car. Matilde asks: what size should we get? I am holding my breath. Camile answers 8 or 9 foot. We arrive and Matilde goes to the area with all the big trees. Betty and I go the other way, Camile and Ted stay in the middle (joke). I manage to convince Matilde to go for a smaller one, so Matilde asks Tim (the salesman) to unwrap one, then another. The first one is too bushy, the second is too slim. So Tim (still smiling) unwraps another that turns out to be too bushy on the right side. Finally we all agree, the four of us agree (Ted has not got a say 🤐) and we get it wrapped up and in the car. On our way home, we agree that 6 foot was better than 9. I am happy, it’s a good compromise. And of course I am already thinking about the day we have to take the thing down in January.
We drop the tree home, up to the second floor. Camile and I had to nip out for half an hour, so we left the girls in charge. Betty has a new stand, made of plastic, that can hold water. It will make the tree last longer she said. Camile and I return to find the new stand broken in pieces. We tried another stand we had, but that was too big. Drama ensues! We take the tree back downstairs, put it back in the car and return to the tree shop to get a wooden stand. Tim laughs. Camile says to me on the way back: we are a unique family. Yes, I think we are. Good news is, the tree is standing proud this morning.
Did I tell you Ted is Matilde’s wee dog? 🐶
It’s 4.30am, and I am writing this letter, it’s nearly done. I am usually stressed but after my first phone call today (Rungis market in France comes to life at 2am!), I am relieved to hear that all the poultry I have ordered from France is available and my order will be complete by Friday, on its way to Edinburgh for delivery on Tuesday. I’ll be even happier when everything is packed next week and ready for you.
Having spoken about Christmas for a few weeks now, here we are, just over a week away. I don’t know about you, but in some kind of way I’m enjoying the peace around me. The streets are quieter, the traffic is fluid and there’s no chamboulsillymadness going around. Of course, don’t get me wrong, it would have been nice and enjoyable to feel some of the usual Christmas buzz in the restaurants.
There will be an announcement today from our government, maybe with some good news. Personally, I don’t think we can expect anything positive and we might have to endure level 3 for another wee while. Just as well we are getting used to it.
Should the news be positive, check our opening hours on our website. Our reservation times will be slightly restricted as we have taken quite a lot of take-away orders this week; so if we can open for more hours, there won’t be quite as much availability as before.
Our Christmas take-away menu has been live for a week now, and we are still taking orders. But bear in mind that the last order for poultry is tomorrow at 4pm.
I’ve kept some classics on this week’s take-way menu with beef cheek Bourguignon and roe deer casserole. Both can be purchased to be frozen to enjoy at a later date. The duck confit is an easy, earthy dish to enjoy during these cold days, and the fish soup is now part of our classics, as are the snails in garlic butter. The warm leek salad with lentils is simple, tasty and healthy.
I have ordered some langoustines this week as the availability (and freshness) is never guaranteed during Christmas week - so make the most of it - only 20 kilos available!
The desserts are once again all of our classics: tarte au chocolat, crème caramel, tarte fine and brioche and chocolate butter pudding. You can also add a sneaky little box of dark citrus chocolates to your order to get you in a festive mood.
Our pop-up festive online shop with l’escargot aprons, chocolates, Armagnac and other goodies is still open. Order while stocks last! Our scratch cards are very popular, and make great stocking fillers. Every card is a winner, and we’ve just added some extra prizes too.
Oh, and I mustn’t forget to say that our Christmas wine list is now ready (order with a take-away, or on its own if you want to come to collect). I have added wine, but also boozy treats like artisanal pastis and genepi!! For the ones not able to go to France this year and feeling nostalgic.
Finally, you are still very welcome to buy a gift voucher that can be used for a take-away or a sit-down meal. It’s a great way to support us and a nice Christmas present for someone.
Voila mes amis. I will publish the New Year’s Eve menu very shortly, but so you know, Linda Dick’s chicken will be available, as well as chicken from St Brides. Keep an eye on our website.
A bientôt,
Fred