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Christmas culinary adventure

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.

The itinerary may be subject to change according to the market in order to take advantage of the seasonal/regional foods.

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

8.45 – Breakfast

9.15 – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class

12.00 – lunch

13.00 – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class

16.00 – Off to Laval to see the Christmas light and

Christmas market

Back at 19.00

20.00 – Dinner

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

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

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

8.45 – Breakfast

9.15 – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class

lunch at 13h

14.00 – In the kitchen, hands-on cooking class

16.00 – Off to Vitré, medieval town and chateau,

 shopping, and Christmas light

Back at 19h

20.00 – Dinner

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

 – Champagne on arrival
 – 6 night ensuite accommodation
 – All food including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
 – Soft drinks all day
 – All tuition with a professional French chef
 – All equipment needed
 – Excursion to Laval’s market, shopping and Christmas light
 – Excursion to Vitré, medieval town, chateau, shopping and Christmas light
 – Transport from Laval train station at scheduled times
 – Molton Brown toiletries
 – Menu and recipe folder to take home
 – Course certificate
 – Free Wifi

What's not included

 – Travel

 – Laundry (€25 Euros)

 – Wine and alcoholic beverages

Wine and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased from our bar

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