Couscousserie

When the sickest person in the house feels like going out to eat, we go.

Maurice mentioned on Saturday that he felt like couscous. In France, if you are preparing just the pasta (say, as a side dish), it's called semoule. When it's served with a meat and vegetable stew, it's called couscous.

A restaurant that specializes in couscous is called a couscousserie and the one in Lourdes is Couscousserie du Soleil.

The stew is kept warm over a tea lite, served with a platter of semoule on the side. There is also a small dish of chickpeas, stewed raisins and harissa to accompany the meal.

I packed a bag with a few distractions for Sophie and they must've worked because she was a star, even when flinging food around :) The owners have small children so they didn't bat an eye and the other patrons didn't seem bothered by her occasional squeals . . .

We all ate well and Maurice was so happy that we suggested going out for Chinese food on Wednesday, since it's a holiday and most businesses are closed (grocery stores are only open for a few hours).

I'm excited because it's one less meal that I have to cook :)