I went for my usual Friday night dinner at Le Panache. It is always fantastic food and a fun place to spend time.

Before I ordered, Diego, the chef brought out an appetizer for me that he had created that was not on the menu. It was grilled asparagus with ceviche and passion fruit. As always, it was beautifully presented and delicious.

I was surprised by this and flattered. They have always done nice things for me but usually on the nights I get back to Toulouse or the nights I leave. I was sad and happy to find out that this Diego’s last week at Le Panache. Diego is Spanish and is returning to Spain (Madrid). I am very happy for him but sad for Le Panache as they now have to find a new chef to keep up the fantastic work that Diego has done. I am sure they will be able to find a replacement but it definitely will be different. I want to find out where Diego is going to be working so that I can eat there if I am ever in Madrid.

The rest of the meal was fantastic as usual. Demi Magret (duck) and my new favorite type of dessert – Cafe Gourmand. Cafe Gourmand are little desserts served with coffee. I am not a coffee drinker but the coffee is one shot of espresso so I can handle it.

The end of the evening finished with a shot. This seems to be the standard endings of my evening at Le Panache and other restaurants now.

I am very glad that I found Le Panache on my first stay in Toulouse. It has become a great place for me to spend time and enjoy Toulousean life.

The rest of the day was spent as usual, walking around the city. I needed a baguette so I headed out for a walk and then stopped at a Boulangerie in St. Cyprien for the baguette. I am becoming a baguette connoisseur. I really like this bakery’s baguette as it has a nice hard crust with a soft but full inside. Some have lots of air bubbles but this one does not. I really like the crisper baguettes.

All in all a nice day in Toulouse.