Travel: Bordeaux

WITH ANOTHER BIRTHDAY edging me closer to my mid-thirties it was time to get a cheap flight out of Edinburgh and indulge in some fine food and wine.  Bordeaux was our chosen destination and here are a few recommendations if you do happen to visit.

Capperi
 
With a dedication to quality ingredients, organic produce and a slice of Italian tradition, Capperi is a pizzeria like no other. 

It first came to my attention during my research of Bordeaux eateries where it featured at number seven on TripAdvisor.  We stumbled upon Capperi by accident on our second night where I was instantly drawn in by the romance of the place.  With only a handful of tables, this smartly lit room that utilises the pizza oven/pass as its focal point where the two staff members (I assume proprietors) add to the buzz with their efficient operation.

We had to wait outside for a few minutes for our table, which provided the opportunity to glance over the menu.  The selection of pizzas were all appealing and a proud use of organic produce leaps out, further enhanced by their selection of organic and biodynamic wines. In fact, they use organic French flour and their own family olive oil, too – not just another pizza joint.

I went for the Parma pizza (€13.90).  What impressed with these pizzas was that it almost tasted healthy.  The base was so light with generous amounts of a very good quality mozzarella, Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano which made the dish sing with fruity, umami notes. Simply the best pizza I've had the pleasure of consuming.


 

Restaurant Melodié


Melodié was situated right in the heart of (what I deemed) to be the touristy restaurant area, which often comes with trepidation. However, this place states food is “100% Homemade” and it did not disappoint.

It cropped up time and time again in travel pieces and it just happened that TripAdvisor had a 50% offer on, which was useful but made it difficult to get a reservation at the same time.  This little gem was worth the scramble. The three-course menu was only €20 anyways, which was still good value for money.

The restaurant was quaint inside with the dim lighting adding to the ambience.  The menu was fairly classic, which was exactly what we were after.  I had the duck which was cooked to perfection.  The highlights were those potatoes; so light they were almost like pomme soufflés.  Sarah went for the good old fashioned steak Bordelaise where the meat quality spoke for itself alongside a proper rendition of the famed sauce of this region.

I enjoyed a tasty salt caramel crème brûlée for my pud, which was just as good a brûlée  as I’ve had.  Sarah selection a smart white chocolate pannacotta with raspberries that served neatly as a palette cleanser following the rich mains. 
Melodié also offered very friendly and efficient service, despite the restaurant being at capacity.  Staff clearly knew the menu inside out and were very professional.  Worth a visit for excellent value food and service.

 

Café Cito

With idyllic views of the church in a bustling square, Cafe Cito is an ideal bar to chill out in after a day of wandering around the city.  The music is excellent (good old classic rock) and the young team of staff are chilled and hard working. 

The bar does offer a range of tapas dishes and sharing boards, including a plate of four for €5.90, ideal for a munch with your booze.
Happy hour is from  5 – 7 p.m. and it does fill up quickly – a top spot to unwind and watch the world go by.

http://www.cafecito-bar-vins-bieres-bordeaux.fr/




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