DAY 5 - SEPTEMBER 6 - INCREDIBLE MEAL IN MARGENCEL

I was up before 7:30, and Ron about an hour later.  He finally had a good night’s sleep with no interruptions. We skipped breakfast, and left the hotel about 11:45 to drive to the small lake port of Séchex Margencel about 20-minutes away. We had originally planned to go to Le Léman, which we had enjoyed several times previously. But I had read a lot about the La Jolla, and as we came into the small port it was the first restaurant, and I spotted a handicap parking spot for that establishment. In the past Ron has had to search for a any parking place and end up a couple blocks away. So, we pulled in, and being so early, we were able to get a nice table on the lakeside deck.

Service was friendly and efficient. Weather was gorgeous. Although it was hot, it was pleasant in the shade with a gentle breeze. We shared a bottle of Vigne du Baron Tartegnin, Patrick de Ladoucette’s first Swiss wine. He is from a long-time prominent French wine family, and is known for his Sancerres (one of our favorites).

Once again, I had lake perch, one of my favorites (a taste I learned from my Mom). I only have it every 5-10 years since the only place I've found in the US that does it right is Joe Muers in Detroit.  The perch was much better than the previous evening. The waiter had taken the time to explain that these would be lightly floured and sauteed in butter. There were at least two dozen of them, and they were delicious.

Ron's shrimp and scallop curry was even more delectable, and also beautifully plated. We need this chef to move to Atlanta! The European restaurants seem to pay a lot more attention to presentation, and we believe it is true that, "We eat with our eyes first."

We don't usually eat desserts, but seeing other patrons partaking, we couldn't resist.  This assortment of six dishes was served on a  plank - even better presentation than Seasons 52. We enjoyed every bite, and to top it off, this was followed by a small glass of limoncello.

Limoncello arriving on small boat - YUM

What an enjoyable afternoon! Hoping for many more in the next few weeks.

On the way back to Evian we stopped at Carrefours in Thonon to pick up some hangers. We had always disliked Thonon-les-Bains, but it has grown and changed considerably. Lots of attractive, modern residences and businesses. Would like to have more time to explore. We never even saw the funicular on our previous visits.

Then, out of curiosity, stopped into Hotel des Princes on the lake, down a very steep, difficult-to- maneuver entrance. The owner told us to sit outside on the terrace. It was interesting to see several elderly guests trying to wade or swim in the lake. Ron commented than one lady was even slower than I am. Ron asked for a brochure, but they didn't have one. Ron later went on line and said rooms were very basic, and not that inexpensive. I guess the hotel has its following of "old-timers", but they will probably be sold and replaced by a lovely, modern building. Everything is changing! 

From there we had to stop to pick up the dry cleaning. As the parking spot we found was adjacent to the casino, I suggested going in. Unfortunately, it is undergoing a two-year, $22 million renovation, and was in a bit of a shambles and it was HOT. I pointed out a “Leprachuan” machine that Ron likes, and he put in €10, and quickly won €40. I finally put my €20 into an unfamiliar machine, and lost it in about 5-minutes.

So, back to the hotel and the end of a rather long, busy day for us old folks.