Chalet de la Frite - Le Tronquay

We passed this incredibly quirky place on the main road between St-Lo and Bayeaux several times before giving it a try and we're so glad we did. The cafe is a collection of sheds with various different themes (primary school, horsey, beer shed, etc). We sat in a booth in a larger shed. The platic tablecloth had ladybirds on it. Our cuttlery came wrapped in Christmas napkins, which was so random, but so apt, as the place does have the feel of santa's grotto about it!We were presented with a complimentary starter of a platter of frites to share (some regular, some round). For main course I had tasty chicken in cider, €9, my husband had steak, both served with more chips. The desserts were a bargain at €3. My husband had chocolate mousse. I had tergoule (the Normany rice pudding). It was sublime!Our two young children had a crepe each and they loved the relaxed informal atmosphere too. And the table football.If you like your dining experiences with bags of character and rustic charm give this place a go. You have to see it to beleive it.

This is an extraordinary place. It's a collection of wooden chalets within which to dine with the family, or as a couple. It always buzzes, and the eccentric and capable chef, Claude, produces wonderful (I mean it - try the lamb cutlets) meals. All with chips, as its name suggests. Choice of Lamb, Chicken, Steaks, Moules, Oysters, Burgers, Brochettes, etc etc. with fresh veg and salad. Great atmosphere and where the locals gather and are happy to mix with vacationers. Oh, yes, exceptionally reasonable prices too. The house red (6 Euros a half litre) is very good value indeed, and Le patron keeps quiet about where it comes from. This really is a must if in the area.

It is certainly different, but quirky. Welcoming, eager and attentive staff. Led to a table, rather than one of the sheds or gazebos, we choose from the menu displayed on a chalk board. Everything clearly priced, most starters at 3 euros and mains from 8 to 14 euros. Good quality food in unusual, but pleasant surroundings. Be aware closed on Monday and Tuesdays when I visited.

Quite simply, the strangest "restaurant" we have ever visited.The seating arrangements ensure the utmost privacy as each party is given their own chalet ( garden shed - to you and me!)The menu was only written in French and as I hate to choose something I have had before I went with the waitress' recommendations.The charcuterie plate was fine - even served on plastic plate and my father's fish soup seemed palatable.My son had steak frites, my dad moules frites and my - well I'm not sure - but it did come with frites.To be honest the frites weren't brilliant - somewhat surprising given that they take star billing, along with the sheds, on the sign - but they were plentiful and replenished when finished with hotter and better ones.For dessert my son had a crepe and I chose something that the waitress told us she had made herself and that it was a local delicacy. I'm not going to argue but it wasn't really my cup of tea - a kind of rice pudding cake , me thinks.The place is complete with guinea pigs running around freely and ancient pinball machines in the courtyard and waht more could one ask for?

Like other reviewers, we'd driven past this place a number of times during our stay. Spurred on by the positive reviews we decided to give it a go. We were glad that we did. The service was friendly and efficient (the only thing we actually had difficulty with was paying the bill at the end). The food was very simple fayre, burgers, chicken nuggets, several choices of steak and moules. It was all done well and arrived quickly. We would have had more drinks, but weren't offered the chance and getting to the small bar was difficult owing to the group of locals sitting at it (they were all very friendly, just in the way). If you fancy a different dining experience the simple food done well, this is definitely worth a punt.