A new table in town
We had heard the rumour that a new restaurant was open in Souris, and with the help of a mimeographed map from the tourist bureau, we made our way to the doorstep of La Belle Cloche. International cuisine in a town that used to be the delivery point for spices; everything comes around.
The owners are here for the summer, from Singapore, and the three generations working in the kitchen and dining room have been in preparation for two years for their opening several weeks ago. Things are new enough that the banking industry hasn’t come through with their terminal unit yet, so be ready to pay with old-fashioned folding money. We watched the ferry to the Madeleines dock while waiting for our orders of curry; chicken for the others, fresh Island lamb for me. Served with rice and two vegetables, the meal was wonderful, and the fresh Nan bread from their over was a welcome side dish. Dinner for three came in at about $45.00.
The owner took the time to describe differences in curries from one region to another, and she mentioned that she imports and grinds her own spice mix. A step up in flavour from what is often served with Indian cooking. I can only wish them success, and we’ll be back for other meals before the end of our vacation. For anyone arriving via the Rails to Trails route, they are located just above the last bridge over the right-of-way, before you get to the wharf.
The ferry departs at 14h00, so they’ve found a nervous clientele outside of the breakfast and supper time periods. Believe me, the boat won’t sail without blowing the horn a few times, and you’re only a short sprint downhill to the gangplank.
