Barjac is not just known for its antique fairs. I regret discovering Agitato only recently (thanks Anja for the tip) and am slightly loathe to tell you about it here at the risk of it becoming so popular that I won’t be able to get a table next time I want to go.
Its charm gets to work on you as soon as you get passed the red curtain and step out into an absolutely magnificent courtyard with beautiful trees, fabulous flowers and little tables dotted about in cosy alcoves. You feel relaxed straightaway. The evening I went there, Nono and Sophie were going to perform: their props - a piano, a microphone & a garden bench decorated with a red feather boa – were set up on the improvised stage. The owners’ dog came up to say hello, swiftly followed by a knee-high toddler, also belonging to the owners, Nathalie and Dominique.
On the menu are hot and cold tapas. I chose the sardines, anchovies and hummus (puréed chickpeas with a fascinating hint of cumin) absolutely delicious, followed by lamb tajine with couscous. A real feast. My friends ordered equally tasty dishes and we all pinched food from each other’s plates. On the wine side, we chose the ‘open’ house wine, a merlot from Barjac. You can drink 2 cm or 22cm, it’s up to you.
At nightfall, the two performers, Sophie and Nono, got up on the stage and sung a series of comic songs. They put on a show, the likes of which I’d never expected in Barjac. I was especially taken by their Corsican tango. It was a really enjoyable evening. Even if there is no entertainment (shows performed only during the festival Off ‘Paroles en Chansons’) Agitato is always worth a visit. Keep in touch with what’s happening there by checking their own website: www.agitato.fr.
Agitato
Open from Thursday to Monday, 7pm to 1am
Every day from June to September and from 6pm to 2am during the festival off
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