Le Tres Bon

In the historic main street of Bungendore, Christophe Gregoire has found his niche in a cosy old cottage with a welcoming open fire in winter. The strength here is great produce (Gregoire grows his own greens and olives), adding real substance to a menu that features the country cooking of the chef's native Alsace. Snails arrive dark green with blitzed parsley, garlic and butter, while a rustic terrine is served with a salad of lettuce, tomatoes, olives and gherkin, which shines with freshness. The gingery spice bread is also fantastic, served with imported foie gras lobe (a splash-out kind of dish). Cassoulet comprises beautifully cooked duck confit, a pork sausage made to Gregoire's recipe, and beans cooked simply: nothing fiddly. Semolina gnocchi are pillowy squares with a cheesy coating that is surprisingly light. For dessert, berry 'soup' is fresh and uplifting, while crepes suzette are sweet and good, and lovely with cider.