Its the price, stupid

The week in Provence had begun shakily. Pounding rain and fierce Mistral on the drive up had lent a dreary start. But, it was a surprise hit of fierce allergies mixed with a very unfortunate breakfast at a hotel in Vaison-la-Romaine that stuck with me for all the wrong reasons which were making for a less-than-pleasing week in what is normally my favorite part of France. As the week rolled on, I just wanted a nice, menu de midi at a pleasant, normal restaurant. No emulsions, no deconstructions, no petit fours, no giant plates with tiny scoops of things. Just regular, local food, please... sans pince à épiler. I had a tasting scheduled in Tavel--home of Serious Rosés--and I found what seemed to be the perfect option with 19€ menu. The server (who I assume was the wife of the chef given her eccentric nature) asked if I wanted any…