"It is a cold, rainy day in Toulouse. We dropped someone at the airport then headed to a restaurant that was supposed to be open all afternoon. As we arrived (just after 2:00) we were told that service for dejeurner was finished. Though disappointed at...the time, we are now thrilled because just around the corner, we saw Cafe Navarre, in a lovely old cross-timber building. We were warmly greeted and assured that we could have lunch...and what a wonderful lunch it was. There was a warm fire in the grill, which took the chill out if the air. The server quickly brought numerous starters, and told us about the main plat de jour (poulet Basque), showed us where to slice bread, and the location of the dessért table. Accompanied by a bottle of wine, we tucked into the excellently seasoned pate de compagne, carrots rapee, lentils, and crunchy bread. It felt like we were dining with a French grandmere. The dishes are eclectic, the tables open for others, and the staff friendly. We were well past the lunch hour but not once did we feel rushed to finish. Quite the opposite. Each dessert (I sampled them all) was superbly French and beautifully executed. Prunes Agen in a spicy sweet red wine sauce, bread pudding with hazelnuts, almond cake, flan, mousse au chocolate, and more! Bring your appetite and enjoy a leisurely meal in this fantastic restaurant highly populated by locals."
