I was told about La Fine Fourchette by Ian at a friend’s party in June so it was on our list of eateries for the holiday being based in our nearest town, and birthplace of William the Conqueror, Falaise. We dropped by a couple of days ago while shopping and liked the look of the place and the fact there were a number of fixed price menus to choose from, with a range of prices. It’s quite formal and has a very French feel to the decor so it was an excuse to dress up a little too.

We ordered Kir aperitifs to begin and then looked at the menu, deciding on a €33 local seasonal produce menu.

Unusually, we all opted for different starters: Lyndsey choosing snail stew, Nicola cured salmon and skate with rocket sorbet, Jonathan a ballantine of guinea fowl and for me, fresh oysters. However, first an amuse bouche of velouté of cauliflower came and it was wonderful: smooth and perfectly seasoned.

Then our starters.

Each dish was excellent. With wonderful oyster beds not far to the north at places like Cancale, it wasn’t surprising to be served such lovely ones. But nevertheless a great pleasure. We drank Sancerre from the Loire area with the meal – also very good. Then to our mains. Jonathan and Nicola had lamb with provencal sauce, Lyndsey fish with Nantais sauce and for me, duck.

They were stunning plates of food to look at and pleasingly the ‘decoration’ was edible and part of the dish – having experienced random bits of greenery on food in other restaurants which I don’t like. The dishes were also delicious: tender meat with rich, deep sauces and interesting vegetables with little twists. Then came the cheese trolley – always a delight in a good French restaurant and this one excellent.

And then desserts … and how to choose from the wonders on offer. Lyndsey looked delighted by her raspberry macaroon.

Jonathan was equally delighted with his apple sorbet with Calvados poured over it (I was impressed too with my taste of it; something to try to make once home).

Nicola chose poached apple with raspberry coulis and ice cream.

And I had a compote of rhubarb and raspberries with a lemon Madeleine (divinely light and lemony) and creme brûlée ice cream. Yes, it was very wonderful.

Gorgeous little petit fours came with coffee and we were also given glasses of the house punch, made of blackcurrants and raspberries steeped in calvados.

We all agreed it was one of the best meals we’d had in a while and excellent value. The final bill with aperitifs, wine, bottled water and tip was €50 a head – only about £40 with the current exchange rate. On the way out I told the owner about my blog and that I would write a review, giving her one of my cards. She went and got her husband and son chefs and they talked to us and gave me a signed copy of a little book of their verrine recipes.

We loved La Fine Fourchette and it will definitely be on our list of restaurants to go back to next time we’re in this lovely part of France.