L'evasion - Salers

Salers is a beautiful, if touristy town. It has many restaurants, but if you are looking for something other than the Auvergne staples of pancakes, truffade and... read more Salers is a beautiful, if touristy town. It has many restaurants, but if you are looking for something other than the Auvergne staples of pancakes, truffade and ham the field is a lot narrower. Having checked over the menu, L 'Evasion looked like it could offer something different. The set menu was slightly over 20 euros more expensive than the competition, but more interesting. The trouble was, the starter (falafel) did not appeal to me. I asked if I could change that for one of the other starters on offer but was told very firmly that I could not mix menus. Why? If that is what makes the customer happy, then why not let them. I fully accept that I would pay more, but the waiter was not to be moved. As other diners came in they would be shown to a seat but then made to wait some time for a menu. I noticed the waiter twice take menus from people after they had ordered and walk back to the bar to put them away instead of giving them to the new arrivals who in one case he had to walk past to get to the bar. After receiving a menu there would then be a ten to fifteen minute wait for the waiter to take the order. My wife had the set menu, which she very much enjoyed. I went off menu and ordered the croustillant de gambas. This was lovely stir fried vegetables in a sort of crispy tube with gambas and a thai style coconut milk broth. As my wife could not eat all of her main course (salers beef with lentils and aligot) I helped out. It was also very good. Her desert was a sort of cheesecake with ice cream whilst I went for the excellent cafe gourmande. I can 't really fault the food. With an apero, a glass of wine and a coffee for my wife the bill was about 60 euros. Quite expensive by local standards, but worth it. The quality of the food deserves a good rating, but the service, I 'm afraid, drags the overall rating down.

A calm terrace away from the main tourist strets; Expectional combination of flavours. I had a fish in langoustine emulsion with a puree of soya beans underneat... read more A calm terrace away from the main tourist strets; Expectional combination of flavours. I had a fish in langoustine emulsion with a puree of soya beans underneath, fantastic mix.Good local wine list.Prices very reasonable. All was a great change the heavy aligot etc of the region yet all the meats and veg very local . Obviously popular as almost all the tables were reserved. I am looking forward to returning!

To begin at the beginning. We were given a delightful welcome and it was clear that this team of young men were thoroughly professional and seemed to be enjoyin... read more To begin at the beginning. We were given a delightful welcome and it was clear that this team of young men were thoroughly professional and seemed to be enjoying their work. That of course is part of the skill and they set the tone for the meal to come. We were given good advice about the menu and we were more than happy with the choices made.This chef is an artist and I don't mean by that pretty plates only. He seems to conjure up the most wonderfully interesting flavours which sing on the palate but never overpower the main ingredient. Everything on every plate belonged there. Nothing was put there simply for show or to pad out a dish. This is a great team. To sum up...Integrity, caring, real skills and warm sense of humour. What more can one ask? If you are feeling jaded or down and think you have lost your appetite....go there! You will be cured!

Staying in France and being vegan hasn’t been easy until we found this amazing restaurant. Food is Spectacular, Staff are friendly and helpful. Nothing is too m... read more Staying in France and being vegan hasn’t been easy until we found this amazing restaurant. Food is Spectacular, Staff are friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Lovely atmosphere and comfortable seating We have been there twice and are looking forward to our third visit tomorrow. Thank you perfect!

Don 't be put off if you 're a veggie. If you look at the menu outside the restaurant it 's mainly meat and fish. Rarely anything vegetarian. But their web site... read more Don 't be put off if you 're a veggie. If you look at the menu outside the restaurant it 's mainly meat and fish. Rarely anything vegetarian. But their web site does say vegetarian friendly and sure enough they are. Third visit now, asked the waiter what they could do and it was wonderful! Main course was lentil falafel, aubergine ravioli, a hot dish of stringy aligot (it should be string) and numerous other things. Fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. Actually I do eat fish and my starter of carpaccio of sandre was tender and refreshing. Good wines, friendly service, good atmosphere. A breath of fresh air ? There are too many restaurants in Salers all doing the same thing truffade, crepes, beef, omelettes but L 'Evasion brings great imagination and skill to the town. Salers needs more like this.