One of the many hidden gems around here is a little French cafe on the Cape Fear River, Le Catalan.  It sits at the south end of the Wilmington Riverwalk.  And Friday was one of those perfect times to visit.

With its location along the riverwalk that runs along the Cape Fear River, Catalan provides both indoor and outdoor seating.  With the water at your feet you can enjoy the sounds of the river along with a view of undeveloped Eagle Island across the water.  Or, sit inside and visit a bit of France.

We like the outdoors at sunset as we watch the great orb continue its relentless march westward.  The warmth of the setting sun contrasts with the cool of a nice glass of wine.  A little bread and some sliced meat or cheese to munch on.  Smiling passers by.  It makes for a very pleasant spot.

Sometimes Catalan is the start of the evening.  Sometimes it is the place for the entire meal and the endless entertainment of the unfolding human scene.  This time we stayed for dinner.  The menu tends to be a few regular small dishes, really appetizers, plus whatever the specials are that evening.  So, it is always different.

This night it featured a variety of ”gratins.”  That’s a fancy way of saying dishes baked with swiss cheese.  Sausage and zucchini, shrimp and risotto, and crab and penne were offered.  The Bride enjoyed the sausage and zucchini.  I tried the crab and penne.  Both were very good with lots of taste from the main ingredients but I must admit I preferred her dish.  They featured a sorbet and mango concoction for dessert that was outstanding.  And the bottle of sauvignon blanc worked well throughout. 

Tip of the hat to Yvonne, our somewhat regular server there.  She is both pleasant and knowledgeable about the offerings.

If you’ve been to France and visited neighborhood restaurants there, you will appreciate the atmosphere inside Catalan.  Restaurants there often have a neighborly or family feel.  When regulars come in they are greeted by the proprietors as friends and often spend a few moments catching up.  You’ll see the same thing here as Pierre and Marie Penegre greet many of the visitors.  It’s nice to see.

Wikipedia tells us that Catalan is the language of Andorra, some areas of Spain, and is an historic language of the Pyrenees-Orientales area of France (part of Languedoc).  Someday I will have to inquire into the link between this little restaurants and all that history.  But for now, another glass of wine please.