Flunch is a peculiarly French, fast food establishment. We came across it whilst on holiday in Nice. Classy it ain't but if you want to fill up cheaply and have a seemingly French experience, then this is the place for you.
You collect your tray and cutlery then make your way along the counters. The first being the salad and fruit salad bars with a selection of different sized plates (or bowls for the fruit salad) which determines how much you pay. You then hit the cold meat and cheese selection. This consists of various plates of hams, including Serrano-type, salamis, goat cheeses, bries and even smoked salmon.
Next comes the drinks area. Sodas from a dispenser, cans of pop and beer, small bottles of wine and carafes of differing sizes to fill up with white, red or rose wine decanted from large plastic barrels.
Then it's onto the hot plate from where you buy your main meal. There is always breaded fish, salmon fillets, a hot vegetarian option, gallettes with ham and cheese and a couple of dishes of the day. This may be something like couscous with spicy meat and sausages or choucroute with sauerkraut. Alternatively you can chose something grilled to order for which you pay at the till and for which you are issued a ticket which you take to the grill chef. This is for things like burgers, faux fillets and even steaks which are cooked to your requirements.
There is a pudding section which offers flans, tartes, gateaux, mousses and so on. There is also a separate ice cream place which does sundaes, waffles and crepes or just ice cream cornets.
On checking out you are offered coffee and if you say oui are given a token, two sachets of sugar and a little wrapped chocolate. Unless you opt for the coffee gourmandise which is available at the pudding counter and which comes with two, three or four petit fours (macarons, eclairs, small cakes).
The price is very good. For example, the steak is around 8 Euro, breaded fish is 5.95 Euro. Once you have paid you then go to the vegetable area. Here you can have as much veg, potato, pasta and couscous as you like and can keep going back. There are usually chips, mash and croquettes, creamed spinach, red and yellow carrots, green and yellow courgettes, penne pasta with tomato sauce, rice, plain couscous. Condiments such as mayo, ketchup, mustards (Dijon and whole grain), balsamic and raspberry vinegars are all freely available. There is ice and a water tap and a microwave as sometimes the veg isn't as hot as it ought to be.
Once replete you can finish your meal off with a coffee, hot chocolate or mocha using your pre purchased token and accompanied by your wrapped sweetie.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing is the clientele. Whilst there are a few young families, the majority of the diners appear to be middle aged and older and middle income too, going by what they wear. The surroundings are relatively pleasant and there has been a refurb in the last year. Along with free wifi it seems to be a reasonable place to eat and remarkable value for money.
I therefore have to come out of the closet and declare myself as an unashamed Flunch Fan.
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