Cannes, Sun, and a Plate of Seafood
Arne, Nina and Thomas walked from La Bocca with no plan, just moving along the beach with a couple of stops on the way. A drink here, another there. By the time we reached Astoux et Brun, it was already late afternoon.
Around four.
Which turns out to matter.
The sun was still there when we arrived, but only just. We picked a table on the edge, hoping it would hold. It did. Barely. The kind of timing where you keep an eye on the shadows without really admitting it.
An image that speaks for itself
We skipped the set seafood platters and built our own instead. That way we are in control with no compromises. With two seasoned marine biologists (Arne and Thomas) in the party it had to be done this way.
Grey shrimps. You eat them whole, no need to peel these guys. Very tasty!
Oysters, large prawns, crab. And the small grey shrimp. The kind you eat whole. Shell, head, everything. They were Arnes idea.
Our self composed seafood platter
We got three types of oysters: L’Étoile de Carnac, Gillardeau and Irlande.
Oysters are not just oysters. Back home in the Oslofjord, they are a pest. An invasive species with sharp shells that ruin beaches. Here they stand out in a different light!
Different textures and salinity. Subtle but noticeable variations.
Gillardeau stood out for us.
Firm, clean, with a precise salinity. The kind of taste that doesn’t need anything added. Just a direct impression of the sea.
This is not a quick meal. You work your way through it. Hands involved. Shells everywhere. Time slows down whether you want it to or not.
A surprlsingly tasty periwinkle, althugh with these guys you really have to work for your food.
By the time we were leaving, the sun had moved on. Or rather, almost. Arne was still sitting in it. The only one. As we stood up, the light started creeping back across the table.
Perfect timing. Just not for us.
In the end, the sun was gone, and it was time for us to move as well.
There is a pattern here. You don’t choose the table. You follow the sun.
We moved on and found another place. The sun was back where it should be. Nina opened a bottle of rosé. Caesar was served first. A bowl of water, immediately.
All in order. Slow italian music in the background. Nothing pushing you anywhere.
Then a seagull hit Nina. Direct hit! Caesar was also involved. And the table. Full coverage.
Nina took it as a sign of good luck. Which, apparently, leads directly to submitting a lottery ticket. That part happened quickly.
We didn’t notice everything, but the waiter did. Caesar had taken an extra hit on his back that we hadn’t seen. It was handled immediately with a napkin and water. A little spa experience.for Cæsar.
Good service tends to show up like that. Quietly.
We’ll head back soon. Bus. Then home.
A long walk, late lunch and some minor incidents – exactly as it should be.
