Dish of the Day - Plat du Jour

 🍽️ Food on Friday: Vive le Plat du Jour! 🥖

When holidaying in the beautiful Mayenne, there's one delicious French tradition you must experience - the legendary Plat du Jour!

Served in cafés, bistros, and village restaurants across the region, the "dish of the day" is a lunchtime institution - simple, hearty, local, and always satisfying. It’s how the French do weekday lunch: quality food, cooked fresh, at a great price (usually €12–€15 for 2 or 3 courses!).

🥂 What’s on the Menu?

It changes daily, but here’s a taste of what you might find:

🍗 Coq au vin with creamy mash

🐟 Filet de poisson with beurre blanc sauce and ratatouille

🥩 Steak frites with peppercorn sauce

🍝 Lasagne maison with a green salad

🫕 Tartiflette or quiche with local cheeses

🥗 Plus: starters like terrine, soup, or melon, and desserts like île flottante, mousse au chocolat or tarte Tatin

🥖 Often served with a basket of bread and a carafe of local wine, a cup of cidre or sparkling water - it’s the perfect midday reset.

📜 A Bite of History

The Plat du Jour has its roots in post-war France, when restaurateurs wanted to offer affordable daily meals to workers. It became so popular that it’s now a national treasure - and still a key part of the French lunch culture today. It’s not just about eating, it’s about pausing, connecting, and enjoying.

🎉 Fun Facts:

Many French workers still take a full hour (or more!) for lunch - and the Plat du Jour is a big reason why.

🍷 In smaller villages, it’s not uncommon to be offered the wine before you get the menu!

🧀 Most dishes are made with regional, seasonal ingredients - a great way to sample true local flavour.

📍So next time you're out exploring Mayenne, stop by the nearest village eatery, ask “Qu’est-ce que c’est, le plat du jour?” - and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

✨ J’❤️ La Mayenne…Because lunch isn’t just a meal — it’s a way of life! 🍴