When we were over here in September, we discovered that some of the restaurants we usually frequent had closed or changed. I was feeling quite down about it, but needlessly so!
We have done a quick visit this week and went to Duras. La Terrasse, a popular restaurant for us has become a creperie, as mentioned in my previous post; however, it is still in the same ownership. They have switched to a focus on crepes and galettes for economic reasons - the fillings of the galettes are all either cured meat or cheese, which will last longer in the fridge than unprocessed meats. However, they also have plats du jour similar to what they had before: confit duck, steak tartare etc (though because the chef was ill the day we visited, these extra meals were not available). The food is still very good.
There is also a new café in Duras - "Karl". This is actually owned by the La Terrasse couple and is run by Madame (with Monsieur working v hard in the main restaurant. We had a sandwich there, and it was fine.
Also in Duras, Café de la Paix has extended sideways and now does proper food (steak frîtes, swordfish steaks, mussels etc).
Gensaké has definitely closed, which we've known about since 2019. Work on their new restaurant Le PESSàQUAI is progressing well, and I am expecting them to be open by Easter. They are currently doing Friday evening takeaways from their pop-up kitchen at Chateau La Tourbeille, just downriver from Pessac proper.
Au Fil de l'Eau in Porte Ste Foy is a restaurant that previously had been closed but has opened again under new management. With an interesting menu and fantastic views by the river across to Ste Foy La Grande, it is worth a visit.
Finally Comptoir de Genès - this remains closed, but I am still hoping that this will reopen again when post covid visitors return. Certainly, they haven't changed their website to remove reference to the restaurant, merely mentioning that it "remains closed".
