Béarn, Pays Basque

The Basques of France particularly enjoy the fish of sea and stream. But they have also learned from their neighbors an appreciation for the famous garbure and poule au pot of Béarn. Garbure is a sumptuous vegetable and meat soup that is served thick and steaming hot. Many of the local inhabitants, after finishing a bowlful, add a little red wine to the empty bowl, swish it around and drink it. Should any one object to this vulgarism, the offender replies: “His Eminence, the Bishop of X, likes it this way.” Whether you decide to add wine or not, you will find the garbure a meal in itself.