Christmas Culinary Adventure
Embark on a delightful culinary journey commencing on a Friday early evening with a champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous six-course gourmet dinner. During this exquisite dining experience, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with fellow guests/participants, while sampling the culinary style that you’ll be mastering throughout the course.
The subsequent days of the week are equally captivating: On Saturday morning, we’ll venture to the enchanting market in Laval. As true locals, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and explore the array of fresh, seasonal specialties the market has to offer. This will be a true embodiment of French culture through a captivating Market Tour. After a delightful lunch, we’ll roll up our sleeves and engage in a hands-on cooking session to prepare dinner.
Sunday will see us back in the kitchen, crafting culinary wonders. At 16:00, we’ll head to Laval to bask in the Christmas lights that adorn the town and its majestic chateau. Afterward, it’s back to the kitchen to create another delectable dinner.
A full day of culinary exploration awaits on Monday, primarily dedicated to hands-on experiences. Tuesday follows suit, with another engaging hands-on session until lunchtime. Post-lunch, a journey to Vitré (or Fougères for returning participants) awaits. Here, you’ll discover the historical heart of the medieval city, complete with its resplendent castle, quaint cobblestone streets, and charming half-timbered houses. It’s a time to unwind, relish in Vitré’s Christmas lights, and perhaps indulge in some leisurely shopping. We’ll return to the kitchen to put the final touches on dinner, ensuring a culinary masterpiece.
Wednesday marks the culmination of our kitchen adventures, as we engage in one final hands-on cooking session to craft an exceptional dinner.
The overarching goal of this course is to enhance and refine your existing culinary skills. By the end of the course, you’ll feel not only confident but also possess a profound understanding of various ingredients and techniques, allowing you to elevate your cooking to new heights.
Day 1 - Friday
Arrival in the afternoon
17.00 – Introductory talk with complimentary champagne and canapés,
Discussing aims and course structure
18.00 – Dinner 6-course gourmet dinner
Menu
Seared foie gras with pear and balsamic reduction
Seabass with Jerusalem artichoke
Champagne sauce
Apple and calvados sorbet
Beef filet tournedos, celeriac and truffle purée
Wild mushroom sauce
Cheese
Passion fruit and orange bavarois, honeycomb and meringue
Tea and coffee
Day 2 - Saturday
It’s market day in Laval,
We will spend the morning like the locals, exploring all the fresh seasonal specialties the market has to offer. Immerse yourself in full French culture with a Market Tour.
8.45 – Breakfast
9.15 – Off to Laval, market shopping
Back for lunch at 13h
14h – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class
18.00- Dinner
Menu
Scallop carpaccio with Kaviari Oscietra Caviar
Gin and Tonic Sorbet
Duck à l’orange, spinach and crispy potato terrine
Cheese
Iced tiramisu parfait with confit chestnut purée
Tea and coffee
Day 3 - Sunday
Menu
Langoustine tartar, Carrot mousse and Campari espuma
Bloody Mary Sorbet
Beef bourguignon and gratin dauphinois
(ox cheek or oxtail)
cheese
Vanilla and Tonka bean crème brulée, chilli and coconut ice cream
Tea and coffee
Day 4 - Monday
Menu
Foie gras tortellini, pea purée and truffle foam
Crab mini croque monsieur with a 63° egg
Lemon sorbet
Stuffed quail, braised red cabbage, spicy pumpkin tarte tatin
Port and juniper réduction
Cheese
Grand Marnier soufflé, lemon verbena sorbet, orange marmelade pim’s
Tea and coffee
Day 5 - Tuesday
Menu
Cod filet cooked in fig leaves milk, roasted root vegetable
jus scented with coffee
French onion soup with cheese croutons
Pear williams Sorbet
Duck leg confit, braised lentils and chestnut
gaufrette potatoes
Cheese
Christmas yule log
(buche de Noël)
Tea and coffee
Day 6 - Wednesday
8.45 – Breakfast
9.15 – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class
13.00 – lunch
14.00 – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class
18.00 – Dinner
Menu
Paté en croute (Traditional French meat pie)
Venison and pork
Wholegrain mustard ice cream and pickles
Lobster bisque, smoked paprika toast
Mojito Sorbet
Medley of chicken (4 ways) with
pumpkin purée &
a béarnaise sauce
Cheese
Coffee and baileys cheesecake with
chocolate and earl grey tea ice cream
Tea and coffee
Day 7 - Thursday
9.00 – Breakfast
10.00 – Departure
Price - Christmas culinary adventure
Euros € 6447.00 for 2 persons
Onsite shared ensuite bedroom with
twin beds or double bed.
Euros € 3225.00 + € 495.00
(single room sup) for 1 person
Accommodation in a local BnB
4 people minimum booked for the course to take place
What's included
What's not included
– Travel
– Laundry (€25 Euros)
– Wine and alcoholic beverages
Wine and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased from our bar