Majorité des Femmes: Pignol

The rabbit saddle salad at Pignol Bellecour

Brigitte came up from the Var to see us and spend a moment with Anne, who has hit a milestone birthday. I had an appointment at the reading room, so I could only meet them for lunch. I suggested Pignol, because they are very Lyonnais, with plats prepared in a light style like we like them but also that touch of requisite gourmandise. While we enjoyed our meal, we talked about those places that are usually only open for lunch and are host to a majorité des femmes (mostly women)... You know, the places just right for a tête à tête. The ones that are sometimes unmarked from the street and accessed through back rooms or tiny staircases behind pastry shops. The ones that take on a comforting ambient din like cooing doves as we settle in for lunch and discussion. Men are almost always accompanied by a woman in these places. I don't think I've ever seen one on his own in this category of restaurant. Sorry to be sexist but that's just how it is. Anne had the poule au pot with cream sauce, Brigitte the simply seared veal liver served with a nice side of root velouté, and I had the rabbit saddle salad with ricotta. We were forced to choose the larger pastries for dessert (the boy was vague and didn't want to go down to see what they had in the way of mignardises and petit fours). Still thinking of Sevilles, I ordered the tarte à l'orange, which came with a pretty slice of kumquat and a single red currant on top.