Our own chef for the day!!
Trip Start
Feb 15, 2012
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119
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Trip End
Sep 17, 2012
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Since they live in Aix, we decided to go ne step further this time - a full day of buying, cooking and eating with Ronald. WOW
The day started with very good intentions - we must all be up and eaten and at Palais of Justice at 10am to meet Ronald. The plan was working well until there was no Ronald at 10:10am?? Sandy called the mobile number we had and asked for Ronald or Geraldine.....I am sorry but this phone was left at a restaurant in Bonnieux last night. Eventually we connected with Geraldine to discover that we were at the wrong place, we should have been at the Mairie (town hall). A quick walk and we were now in front of the Mairie...but no sign of Ronald?? I decided to show Nathan and Kate a photo of him to help them and to separate from Sandy. A few seconds later I hear a loud "cooee" from Sandy. Everyone in the square stops and looks....voila Ronald finds Sandy.
After the slight delay we must now get rapidly to work. The menu for tonight? After a few suggestions, we settle on cheese souffle (we had it in 2009 and it was fab) followed by duck breast with mash and celeriac and then a sample of cheeses and a chocolate fondant. Ok then we must now start our little trek around the shops / markets.
First the cheese...Ronald takes us to a lovely cheese shop where he is greeted like a long lost friend. After acquiring enough cheese and eggs for the souffle and cheese board, we are off to the fruit and vegetable markets. More handshakes and kisses all around at the markets. We dart between various places to get all that is required.
Now on the his butcher, but this time it is Ronald who is surprised. Sandy is treated as a long lost friend but the butcher!! At Geraldine's recommendation we have been here earlier in the week and Sandy had already made friends...the butcher is pleased to see her return.
Back to the markets for a few final things and then back home....tough work done but more ahead. Ronald agrees to meet up again at 430pm at our house....cooking lesson to commence at 5pm sharp
This time the plan works and he arrives, unpacks and we are "aproned up" by 5pm. The next couple of hours flies past as we learn to sharpen knives, cut celeriac, prepare duck breast, prepare simple veges like carrot and zucchini in a fancy way....drink red wine. Fortunately Ronald tidies my very occasional mistakes :-)
Next Geraldine and her niece Laylo arrive with Charlie....ahhh, I had forgotten the fun of entertaining a two year old.
Much chatting and a little drinking of 2009 Bordeaux red and all is well....until Ronald does some checking on the oven. Seems our oven is not quite professional chef standard, the temperature gauge is very wrong. Times are much longer than expected
Like the true professional that he is, Ronald worries and makes all the adjustments needed. Dinner is a little late but still sensational. The souffle is just as I remembered - fantastique. The courses that follow as new but equally great.
What a night! Our plan of keeping Ronald locked in at our house nearly worked. We have had road workers outside for a few days and Geraldine wandered down to see what was going on. They inform her that cars will not be able to exit our driveway in five minutes time....a quick scramble and Ronald escapes. Drat just simple muesli for brekky
