Languedoc - L'Ochre Rouge
Autumn 2008
Frank's view 
'Have a quiet night in'
Situated a few metres from Le Couvent d’Herepian, L’Ocre Rouge is first on the list of restaurants recommended by Le Couvent, a new 13 room hotel, with limited catering facilities, but one of the most appealing establishments in which this Camel has ever laid his hump.
L’Ocre Rouge is a totally different proposition.
It really gave the Camel the hump.
Situated in the small village square, this vaulted building is a cavernous, sparse space with pink rag rolled walls. The tables are so spread apart you virtually have your own dining room. Not one for the agoraphobic but ideal for an all out domestic dispute.
Various set menu options are on offer and an a la carte selection for those who wish to go off piste. The sole waitress encouraged us to go for the €28.50 ‘Grenache’ menu - four courses including cheese and a dessert.
I started with ‘Tartare du poisson de jour’ – finely chopped raw fish with lots of capers and a creamy sauce. The Camel’s companion opted for a celery crème brulee which was interesting but the duck to follow was inedible. I selected le boeuf – a lump of poor quality steak, wrapped in fat. I feared for my teeth as my digestive juices groaned.
The cheese was cold but acceptable and, much to the astonishment of the waitress, we declined the desserts.
“You get what you pay for” springs to mind but there are a number of small rural restaurants in France which offer very good value.
I did choose one of the more expensive wines on the list, a Chateau Grezan from nearby Faugeres at €26.50. It was enjoyable but I was surprised to see it the next day in a Faugeres wine shop for €8.
If you visit le Couvent d’Herepian try dining further afield, or better still, buy produce from the excellent stores in the village and do a bit of self catering with your in-room kitchenette!
L’Ocre Rouge
12 Place de la Croix
34600 Herepian
04 67 95 06 93
L’Ocre Rouge is a totally different proposition.
It really gave the Camel the hump.
Situated in the small village square, this vaulted building is a cavernous, sparse space with pink rag rolled walls. The tables are so spread apart you virtually have your own dining room. Not one for the agoraphobic but ideal for an all out domestic dispute.
Various set menu options are on offer and an a la carte selection for those who wish to go off piste. The sole waitress encouraged us to go for the €28.50 ‘Grenache’ menu - four courses including cheese and a dessert.
I started with ‘Tartare du poisson de jour’ – finely chopped raw fish with lots of capers and a creamy sauce. The Camel’s companion opted for a celery crème brulee which was interesting but the duck to follow was inedible. I selected le boeuf – a lump of poor quality steak, wrapped in fat. I feared for my teeth as my digestive juices groaned.
The cheese was cold but acceptable and, much to the astonishment of the waitress, we declined the desserts.
“You get what you pay for” springs to mind but there are a number of small rural restaurants in France which offer very good value.
I did choose one of the more expensive wines on the list, a Chateau Grezan from nearby Faugeres at €26.50. It was enjoyable but I was surprised to see it the next day in a Faugeres wine shop for €8.
If you visit le Couvent d’Herepian try dining further afield, or better still, buy produce from the excellent stores in the village and do a bit of self catering with your in-room kitchenette!
L’Ocre Rouge
12 Place de la Croix
34600 Herepian
04 67 95 06 93
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
