Of favourite restaurants and embarrassing moments.

We discovered La Gourmandine on our first visit to the Ariege. Situated on the square in the little town of Seix it occupies an open corner location with views over the river and to the mountains behind the town. The restaurant was opened by a husband and wife team shortly before our visit and was recommended by our friends who had recently moved to the area. The husband did front of house while the wife prepared all the meals in the kitchen. The restaurant was small, perhaps half a dozen tables, but the welcome was warm and the food was divine - good, home cooked regional cooking.
Over the years we have continued to enjoy dining at La Gourmandine and watching it flourish and expand. At first a few tables outside then the addition of a canopy to keep diners dry if the weather turned a bit inclement and this time the seating had even expanded across the road into the square where passers-by could enjoy a beer or a coffee in the sun. the staff has also grown over the years and we were greeted by a young waiter who showed us to our table beside the road on the corner nearest the river. A local aperitif  of Hypocras is traditional before we order. Unfortunately we can't buy it at home so we have to stash a few bottles in the luggage before we depart!
We placed our orders and relaxed into friendly conversation. I was explaining how this was one of my very favourite places when I became aware of a large, moustachio-ed French man approaching our table at speed. We made direct eye contact, which he resolutely held while grinning widely. As he got progressively closer to our table he extended his hand towards me in greeting. By now my heart was sinking. I thought, 'Here is a classic case of mis-identification. He has mistaken me for someone he knows - although who does he know with hair my colour!'
'Bonjour! Bon apetit!' he bellowed, as he grabbed my hand and proceded to shake hands around the table! Thankfully, at this point our friends recognised him as the father of a friend! Phew! It is embarrassing enough trying to explain to someone in your own language that they have made a mistake but I am not sure I could have done it in French. Perhaps I would have just continued the pretense of being whoever he thought I was.