Our friends Toni and Silvie, who are from Switzerland, had been talking about this great restaurant down in Grau d’Agde called La Carioca. They said it was very unpretentious- in fact downright shabby, but the fish was spanking fresh, in from the auction in Agde and cooked simply and beautifully. It is only opened for 5 months of the year and last night was the last chance before May for us all, along with our Anglo Irish friends Pat and John, to catch it before it shut for the winter.

The first impressions were that the building had been thrown together by a carpenter but its site was superb, directly on the beach and we got the table next to the sunset.

The fish was certainly the best I have eaten in France, my Friture of Tiny Sprats was followed by huge Gambas in a wonderful cream and brandy sauce every bit as good as it sounds. Excellent Mussels, John Dorey, and Bass on the bone were also eaten. Half way through we discovered why it was called La Carioca but, and this is a huge compliment to them, even that could not spoil our pleasure in the evening. The serving was done by two lovely cheerful and efficient girls, all the cooking etc by two not young men but boy did they know their stuff. Its a long time to May, hope we can last out!