On arrival at the Chateau de Pizay it appears to be a very professional and well run establishment. The grounds are very impressive, there are well laid and clean roads and ample car parking. We were very excited to have arrived. The check-in was easy and we were shown to a very nice duplex room. We took our dogs for a well deserved walk amongst the vines of the chateau and then enjoyed a refreshing glass of wine served in a cool bar accompanied by a small selection of nibbles.
We had reserved a table for dinner at the Chateau restaurant which was set outside to take advantage of the good weather. My wife and I both chose the 69€ set menu but we had different selections for each course. The first thing to arrive was a 'mise en bouche', a very pretty plate of nothingness. For our first course, which arrived moments later we opted for the smoked salmon, it looked very pretty on the plate. But on tasting the salmon I commented to my wife that it had no taste. She was in agreement and as a test I took a second taste with my eyes closed. I think that I was just able to determine that I was eating fish. Next we received an unexpected small portion of egg foam and truffle. This time we were able to taste the truffle but it was very mild. Our main course which was delivered to the table in quick succession was one plate of lobster and one of chicken. Again both of these plates were tasteless and quite small portions considering that they were the main dish of the meal. Once we had finished the plates were cleared away and we received anther surprise dish, this time a pre-dessert which was a tasteless panna cotta. and then our dessert arrived. For me this was the best dish of the meal, but that's not a huge compliment, while my wife had a taste of her dish and declared that it was not worth the calories. When her plate was taken away, almost uneaten, there was no enquiry as to why it had been left, was it OK, could we offer anything else.
Now of course we do not all like the same things and it could be argued that our taste is too sophisticated for the restaurant., but I must now point out that the three dishes, starter, main and dessert, each accompanied by a surprise taster dish, making six in total, were all served in a one hour period. In my opinion, it would be impossible for any of these dishes to had been cooked especially for us. They must have all been preprepared and heated on demand. We were utterly disappointed.
Breakfast the following morning was really no better. Quite a large display of choices to eat, but nothing managed to excite us.
So, we will not be returning to this Chateau and if you choose to make your own mind up, you cannot say you have not been warned.