Dinners at the Beach

I'd heard about the legendary dinners at the beach. On my last visit, I was lucky enough to go twice. Henny, Hans and Christa, with various other friends, have been making this a tradition for some time. Hans said, I'm not eating sand in my food, so they do it in real style. Tables, chairs, linens, real plates, candles, and a big cooler filled with the delicious wines from Domaine Bourdic, Hans and Christa's vineyard.

Hans, Henny, Christa and Alex setting up

We arrive after 6pm when most of the traffic is heading in the opposite direction. They have it down to a science, choosing a spot where you can drive right up to unload the cars. The brave have a swim first. It's been an odd summer in the Languedoc as it has been throughout Europe. The sea was bracing, but almost manageable after the initial shock.

We set up the dining area to the appreciation of puzzled onlookers who nod and say bon appétit. Don't use the word picnic, this is dining al fresco. Everyone brings a dish, there are several courses. We eat, drink, laugh, have great conversations in French, German, a little English and the odd bit of Dutch, while the sun sets. Divine.

Last time Henny, Christa and I were brave enough to try the sea again after dinner, in the shimmering light of an almost full moon. We screamed like demented school girls, but it was fantastic and completely exhilarating!