The British media praised the Relais Routiers, these institutions of French gastronomic heritage that should be protected.
The Roadhouses were the subject of a genuine declaration of love in an article signed by the BBC published on 20 November. In this ode to French cultural heritage, these restaurants associated with the Les Relais Routiers chain are known for their old-fashioned cuisine, friendly atmosphere and good value for money. Institutions must be protected in the conditions of inflation, the British media reports.
“Syears of turmoil”
On holiday or on the way to work, Relais Routiers appeals not only to drivers of heavy goods vehicles. “The exceptional value of these cheerful, unusual, old-fashioned restaurants ensures the survival of almost a century of French tradition,” comments the BBC’s John Lawrenson. In fact, these institutions, now known by our English cousins, were born in 1934, on the initiative of the journalist François de Saulier. While reporting on trucks, the young man revealed the harsh conditions of the driver’s profession and in the same year published a newspaper called: The Rovers. In this guide, it lists a number of addresses where you can pray, located on national roads in France. Road relay qualifying conditions. “A friendly welcome, generous meals prepared on site, a starter-main-dessert menu for less than €15, a shower for drivers and ample parking,” explains the BBC.
Rediscover the flavors of the past…
On the menu of these restaurants frozen in history are the great classics of French gastronomy. The appetizer usually starts around the buffet, where we choose raw vegetables drizzled with vinaigrette, cold meat or even pate spread on a piece of baguette. The parade continues with “women’s cuisine” figures such as veal blanket, beef bourguignon or steak with mashed potatoes. Cheese is served on a plate and desserts sit on a trolley, where you’ll usually find chocolate mousse, a floating island or the unmistakable crème brûlée. “Until the 1980s, people came to Les Routiers because they knew they would find the same cuisine they were used to at home. Today, most French people have stopped cooking like this. They go to the trucks to find what they left behind,” says the BBC journalist.
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…at affordable prices
These establishments, attractive for their authenticity, are also attractive for their unbeatable prices. In order to keep their customers, they are obliged to respect the meal allowances paid by the transport companies, which currently amount to 13.78 euros,” we learn from the columns of the newspaper. It is difficult to maintain a position in the economic crisis. Isabelle Lepage, co-author of the work, was interviewed by the British media Les Routiers. The best recipes (1), warns of the conditions of these small businesses, which are largely family-run; “I would like these institutions to be helped in the same way that some historical monuments need help to survive. Rovers are heritage cultural monuments. Establishments to stop by next time you’re on your vacation route.
(1) Les Routiers. best recipesIsabelle Lepage, photos by Louis-Laurent Grandadam, Tana editions, 165 pages, €17.13.
Source: Le Figaro
