Sometimes it's good to go somewhere new. It's all too easy to return to your favourite haunts and order the same old dishes time after time. So last weekend, with this in mind, we went to Chef Brigitte Guignery's La Blanc Manger in La Colle sur Loup. I'd heard good things about this place so it really was about time.

The stone building has a pretty Provencal interior divided into two rooms for dining. They clearly have a local following as there were plenty of French voices and with this attention to detail it's easy to see why.

The seasonal menu has plenty on offer. The starter of creamy risotto with prawns and lobster was a triumph and for my husband this was followed by a slow-cooked beef dish with woked vegetables. The presentation and the service both let you know you're in safe hands.

The menu recommends wine by the glass to suit each course which is always a really nice touch, but we fancied a bottle of red, and went with their recommendation of the Haut Médoc 2000. The Château Ramage La Bâtisse bumped the bill up by €40 but was worth it and after all when in La Colle...

Turbot is one of my favourite fish, (I chose it for our wedding breakfast) so that was an obvious choice for me, especially when accompanied with trompette de mort mushrooms, green beans and carrots. It was simply yet perfectly cooked and I'd choose it again. The mushrooms a little over-salty for my palette - but then I never add salt to anything.

We by-passed the cheese and went straight for dessert as we'd eyed-up fantastic looking creations heading to fellow diners tables. Both the millefeuille with caramel and poached pear, and the Café Cappuccino were elegantly served and small enough to remove any feelings of guilt. Well nearly.

Le Blanc Manger offers a two-course lunch at €24 or three courses for €28 and in the evenings they serve a starter, main course, cheese or dessert for €39.

Telephone: +33 (0)493 22 51 20.

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