Asparagus, lamb, fish & shellfish
The start of Asparagus season in France. The French prefer white but Emma and I think that there is more flavour in green asparagus. We will try both and you can decide. A perfect short break in the beautiful South West of France with the emphasis firmly on the all that is in season and from local producers. Three nights with highlights from our 5 day cookery course. A mix of market visits, relaxing, wine tasting, a tiny bit of cooking, great food, great wine and good company. The three night break will leave you wanting more of the Lot-et-Garonne lifestyle, far reaching views, peacefulness and relaxing way of life.
Example itinerary
DAY 1 Friday/Saturday We will pick you up at Bergerac Airport and take the picturesque 30 minute drive to our house “Les Caulins”. A quick tour of our house, relax, kick off your shoes, have a drink & settle in. We will meet at 7pm for aperitifs, canapés and a 4 course dinner with local wines.
Example dinner
Fizz & Canapés
White & green asparagus, hollandaise, crispy parma ham
Monkfish & king prawn casoulette, chorizo crust,
green beans, garlic & toasted sunflower seeds
White chocolate profiteroles & salted caramel
All paired with local wine
DAY 2 Help yourself to; Continental breakfast/ croissants, toasted mais bread, house Jam, tea, coffee juice, etc…. A visit to Ste Foy one of Frances biggest street markets. We will pick up the freshest of ingredients, have a relaxing wander around the stalls and have coffee in one of the cafés. Back at the house for lunch made from market ingredients; wild mushroom tartine, or goats cheese honey & walnuts and then preparation for dinner.
The afternoon is a bit of preparation and for those wishing to visit a winery we can visit a local vineyard and have a tour and taste some wine. You can also have it delivered to your home when you return. We can also have a little strole around our local town of Duras with its beautiful Chateau and artisan shops. Back at the house to relax and we will meet early evening for dinner.
Example dinner menu
Fizz & Canapés
Sautéed fresh mackerel & white bean tartine, romesco sauce
BBQ spatchcock cornfed chicken, sauteed asparagus,
crispy potatoes, smoked lardons and onions, sauce vierge
local cheese and walnut bread
Pears poached in Saussignac wine, house made clotted cream
All paired with local wine
After breakfast Monday relax and have a swim. Then on to one of the areas best chocolatiers at the Maison Guinget shop and chocolate factory. This is a great place to sample the amazing chocolates and buy gifts. Back to the house for a light lunch.
Afternoon Preparation If you would like a cookery lesson and a few tricks of the trade then a quick knife skills just to check you’re not going to injure yourselves. Onions, Diced Carrot, Tomato Concasse, Mushrooms, Celery, easy chicken stock and creating an easy meal for another day. fresh pasta, ravioli, frangipan & armagnac tart, dinner party canapés.
We will meet at 7pm for aperitifs and dinner and of course a glass of something.
Fizz & Canapés
King prawn, crab and white asparagus tian
Wood oven roasted rolled lamb shoulder “anchaud”,
potato sarladaise, wilted spring greens, brebis and toasted pinenuts
Local cheese
Apple tart fin, tonka bean ice cream
All paired with local wine
Allergies & Intolerances. We will be tasting and eating many different products that the area we live in is well known for. Clearly if you have an allergy to mushrooms do not book a course that involves mushrooms and truffles; Equally if you do not eat seafood there is no point on attending our fish and shellfish course. WE must be informed of all allergies before you book and pay any deposit. Itineraries cannot be changed with short notice.
What’s included?
3 nights’ accommodation in a room with super king size bed, Egyptian cotton bed linen, flat screen TV English channels, en-suite bathroom with walk in showers;
All meals breakfast, nibbles, lunch & dinner.
All aperitifs & wine with meals.
Coffee, tea, biscuits and cakes
All ingredients for any cookery
an afternoon Cooking Class
2 Market visits
Chocolate shop visit
Winery visit
Bergerac airport pick up
The price based on 2 people sharing an en-suite bedroom with a superking size bed is £995
Single person occupancy £695.00 per room
3-6 persons on each course
What’s not included?
Flights are not included.
We are 35 minutes from Bergerac airport & 80-100 minutes from Bordeaux. We can arrange a taxi, from Bordeaux Airport, English driver and paid locally.
We are working on our 2024 schedule and it will be released in February 2023