O'Sud Restaurant, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France

What should you look for in a restaurant when you’re in a foreign country and simply looking at the menu posted outside does little for you because you just don’t understand it?! I’m convinced that Simone opted for this restaurant because it’s décor caught her eye and she liked it.

The waitress spoke English, but not wanting to look stupid (!) we persevered and blagged our way through ordering. I say we, but actually, Elijah probably understood as much as any of us and Simone gave up, so I made educated guesses in an attempt to find dishes we’d like. Lydia and Elijah had what was called ‘L’Enfant Menu’ but was really a pizza, each, that would have comfortably fed an adult.

Simone had Caibatta Morrocaine – spicy meat and beans in a hot, dry sauce. I had Patates Turque – kebabs of chicken, mushroom and tomatoes accompanied by a curry sauce and a baked potato.

We were impressed by the quantity of meat in each dish and the preentation was good, although a little too keen to make sure the plate was full by adding salad. I liked the individual components of my meal, but with such a dry tasting curry sauce, wasn’t sure that it all went together very well.

Overall the meal was good, though nothing special. The service could have done with the inclusion of some smiles (maybe you have to pay extra for that in France?) but the price was reasonable and we even came away with leftover pizza wrapped in a napkin for tomorrow!