Days 01-02 – Bourgogne
We finished up our workshop in Provence, had a final lunch prepared by Françoise, then went through our goodbyes. It is always hard to part with our friends, as indeed, many of our participants make connections that last long after the workshop has ended.
We loaded up the Honker Van, and with the two that were continuing on to Paris for our workshop there, we headed for an interim stop just outside of Beaune in the heart of fabulous Bourgogne wine country. This stop made our drive the next day much shorter, and with Paris traffic, that is always a good thing.
It was fun to hear our friends in the back enjoy the scenery that we know so well. They pointed out this and exclamed over that.
First, the sign showed up for entering Bourgogne, home of the majority of grand crus in France, and the place where the Romans first brought the vines that produced aqua vitae, water of life, or probably better translated, elixir of life!
We could not wait to reconnect with Antoine and his wife, Roselyne, who run an amazing little restaurant, Le Berger du Temps, where everything is cooked with wood, whether in the beehive oven or on the stove over coals and embers. When we ran our workshops here, we stayed just up the road in a little hotel, but this time, with only four of us, I had made reservations at Roselyne’s and Antoine’s B&B right next door to the restaurant. The rooms were charming, and it was a nice respite.
We dropped off our luggage, then took off to show our friends Pommard (yes, of wine fame), one of our favorite little villages nearby. During our workshops, we would often have lunch here.
We started at the Chateau, but it is the pool and lilies that have always interested me. But how many lilies can one shoot and make them different? Like the blade of grass the other day, I made it high-key in camera. I did a couple of darker exposures for safety, but back on the computer, it was this first one that worked for me.
We met a gentleman who loved old cars. He had several Citröens and a classic ’67 bug. This big, black Citröen had a face. It looked a bit menacing to me, an echo of unhappy times.
Europe has lots of statuary, standing alone, tucked into little niches. I hadn’t done much with figures this trip, but this one appealed to me.
Sorry, no photos from dinner. Too pooped! Suffice it to say that we had a fabulous meal. As our friend said, “I feel like Alice in Wonderland.” It really was magical.
Antoine and Roselyne remembered us from several years ago when we were last here. We had done some photographs of them that they loved in their kitchen. Apparently, the photos that we hand delivered the following year have been put in a place of honor in their house. What more could photographers ask for their portraits? We were greeted warmly and ushered to our favorite table by the fireplace. There was no need for a fire, but it was a good vantage point to see all the meals and desserts that Roselyne brought out.
I started off with Oeufs en Meurette, a classic dish from this region, fresh eggs poached in red Burgundy (what else in this region), garlic, herbs, and other ingredients. I remember this from our last visit and could not wait to enjoy it again.
For the next course, Poulet Fermier Cuit au Foin, local chicken with wood-braised vegetables in a sauce that was to die for.
Before we started our meal, I told our friends that dessert was not a choice. They must have the Mousse Chocolat. It comes in what looks like a vastly-oversized parfait glass bowl with two serving spoons. You are given regular parfait glasses and scoop to your heart’s content. We all had seconds. One is expected to finish it all. We could not!
Accompanying our meal was a lovely grand cru from Beaune. Coppery in color, it had a beautiful, slightly spicey bouquet and wonderful, complex structure. The gammes (legs) lasted and lasted. I find that I love these coppery wines. We had visions of a different wine with each course, but we loved this wine so much that we simply drank three bottles of the same.
It was a memorable evening, both for Arnie and me who know this area, and for Michel et Cathy, for whom it is brand new. Their comment was that it exceeded expectations!
We had an equally delicious breakfast, then did a few photographs around the restaurant and B&B before we took off for Paris to return the Honker Van and head to our hotel in the Quartier Latin.
Roselyne loves animals and has a whimsy about them. This rooster is typical of the way the displays the various critters in the garden, in the restaurant, and in the rooms. Quite a handsome fellow, I thought!
Next: On to Paris …
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Wish that I had been along!! Would have needed a fourth bottle.
Another year, David. Another year. And we wish you had been along, too!
Take care,
TBC
To your “friends”….I know they are having a great time:-) Yes, definitely Alice in Wonderland…
Yes, Benita, they are having a marvelous time. It has been so much fun showing them parts of “our” France that we love so well.
Take care,
TBC