Last weekend Chéri and I went for dinner at one of our favourite eating venues: Le Terminus in Cruzy. It is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel welcome right away in a strikingly beautiful setting. Where there was once the former railway station of Cruzy – Quarante, now Gaëlle and Sébastien Caille and their crew serve bistronomique cuisine made with fresh, local produce.
Twinkly lights
Every time I bring guests to Le Terminus, they are amazed at how on earth I found this hidden gem. You really have to know about it and drive ‘au milieu de nulle part’, or to the middle of nowhere. Le Terminus has two warmly and intimately decorated dining rooms for cooler days. However, as spring has already brought good weather to the South of France, Chéri and I enjoyed our dinner outside. The garden is an extension of the restaurant with nicely laid tables under majestic trees and twinkly lights. You can even bring your kids if you want, as there is a playground to keep the young ones amused.
Locomotive
In the evening, there is the set ‘Locomotive’ menu (three courses for 35 euros) or the ‘De La Gare’ menu that adds a cheese platter for 40 euros. These menus let you pick your choice from the à la carte menu, with three to five options per course. As chef Sébastien Caille loves good meat, Le Terminus also offers a côte de boeuf (prime beef rib) or a lamb shoulder for the real carnivores. The menu changes regularly, but you will always find the classic hamburger Le Mac Caillou on it.
Pure relish
After the ever-friendly Gaëlle took our order, we swiftly received our appetizing starter of local green asparagus with Iberian ham. As our main course, Chéri chose the veal rib with silky mashed potatoes with olives and raisin juice. I had the fish of the day, which was a filet of whiting on creamy seasonal vegetables. Chéri wanted to have a simple ice cream for dessert, however I convinced him to go for something more fanciful. He was glad he did, as the cream puff filled with local strawberries, vanilla cream and whipped cream was pure delight. So was my chocolate cake with a crunch of praline and nuts. Just can’t say no to chocolate… As usual, it was a perfect ending to a perfect dinner and well worth going if you are in the area!
