Picotte Provence

Cosy, tranquil, and ohhh, so picturesque restaurant located in Cotignac, with excellent customer service and delicious food. My diet is entirely plant based, and to top this up, I have severe allergies(anaphylaxis)to dairy and nuts(almonds and hazelnuts)as well as a high intolerance to gluten. So last Wednesday, the 27th of September, I arrived at my Bed & Breakfast to discover that there are no kitchen facilities on offer. As this was a work trip, my accommodation was booked by my employer's PA, who obviously wasn't advised of my dietary requirements. I took a walk to the central area straight away, hoping to find a place to eat. After scouting the entire Cotignac without any luck, hungry, tired, and very upset, I walked into Picotte, thinking to myself, "Right! If no one helps me here, I'll be asking my employer to fly me back to London first thing tomorrow morning!" Then a miracle happened ... I was greeted by Catherine, who is the most genuine, kind, caring, and helpful soul one could possibly meet in Cotignac. Despite being extremely busy, she listened to me, took my mobile number, and reassured me that I would not be left hungry and that she would be my personal chef for the duration of my stay. These were her exact words! On Thursday morning, I received a text from her asking whether the lunch she intended to cook for me on that day was ok with me. I went to the restaurant, we discussed everything, and that was that. At noon, I had my first out of four delicious lunches there, prepared by Catherine, especially for me. I had a Cougette Soup for starters and a Lentil Stew for main, accompanied by two gluten-free bread buns.They were the only place in Cotignac that served gluten- free bread buns that are also dairy and nut free, although she couldn't confirm the later 100%. I had no allergic reaction, and that confirmed that there were at least no traces of almonds and hazenuts present in the buns. Catherine insisted on surprising me with different meals daily, and I trusted her completely. On Friday and Saturday, I had my lunch at Picotte and asked for my dinners to also be ready at noon so that I could take them to work with me. Catherine did what she promised, exceeding my expectations! My Friday lunch starter was a Cucumber and Peach Salad, and my main meal was the most delicious Chilly Sin- Carne I've ever had! My dinner was a mild and yammee Chickpea Curry with Rice, packed in a glass dish with a plastic lid. My Saturday lunch starter was once again a Courgette Soup and my main was an Aubergine and Onions filled with veggies and rice. My dinner was a Vegetable Stew. On Sunday I had both my lunch and my dinner at Picotte, as I was at work for only couple of hours in the afternoon. My lunch starter was a Bean soup, my main was a Spiced Corn Casserole, yet another of Catherine's delicious surprises! For dinner I had a super creamy and tasty Mushroom Risotto. I was very curious how she managed to master it without using milk or cream and so I asked her. It was created only by using courgettes and little water. I will not share her recipe, as I feel it should remain her speciality. For desert I had a Pumpkin Sorbet, made by Catherine herself. My experience at Picotte was truly majestic! Everyone working there is caring, happy and kind. Rocky, Eleonore and Marie were all very friendly, smily and helpful. And that comes as no surprise, because they work for the most beautiful souls - Catherine and Matthias, who tirelessly work along their staff members! You guys are something else and beside making my stay in Cotignac wonderful, you and your team are the people who made me want to come back and stay! Sincere gratitude to you, Catherine for truly caring and for affirming my inner belief that impossible is nothing and that there are so many Angels amongst us all! Massive gratitude to everyone at Picotte! Endless love, gratitude and blessings to you all! I can not wait to see you again!