A Birthday Celebration and the Birth of a New Cookery School:
I share the same birthday as Karen from Lavender & Lovage’s husband Malcolm. I was thrilled when she suggested I joined in the celebrations for *his* (which was quite a significant one) by visiting them in France. I’ve been meaning to go for a while but somehow never quite got myself organised. But this year, the combination of a special birthday weekend and the chance to find out more about the cookery school Karen is planning was just the catalyst I needed to get myself organised.
It’s funny, but although I’ve spent a lot of time living ‘en-famille’ in France, it’s all too easy to forget the little differences that make a French home so different. Rather than anglicising their home, Karen and Malcolm have filled it with antique French furniture and all sorts of French bric-a-brac so that only the English books, TV and kettle remind you it is the home of an English couple.
A raclette supper was the perfect way for us all to relax ahead of the next day’s party. And, one of the specialities of the region, fine de claire oysters, the perfect way to start. Of course, waiting till the next day to celebrate was obviously NOT going to happen. Sparkling white wine is the perfect accompaniment for oysters…and really not bad with raclette either…
The next day, after a light lunch, Malcolm took me out to see a little bit more of the area. Other than La Rochelle, to the north of the region, most Brits don’t know this area of France at all. Talmont is one of the nearest sea-side villages to Montpellier-de-Medillan where Karen lives and, with a well deserved Les Plus Beaux Villages de France listing, is well worth a visit. The fortified village was built in in the 13th century when this part of France was under English rule. On the estuary of the Gironde, there’s a stunning church built out on the edge of the cliff and a wealth of boutique shops and restaurants.
I was fascinated to see carralet too, traditional fishing huts built out into the water on stilts, very similar to the trabocchi in Abruzzo.
Back at Montpellier-de-Medillan, Karen was busy organising food for the party that evening. I don’t think anyone was likely to go hungry, especially as more would be arriving later with some of the guests.
She took five minutes break to explain a little more about her cookery school. Their home is a Chambre d’Hotes, a French bed and breakfast, with optional evening meals. With accommodation for up to ten guests, in the past some of the guests have asked for cookery lessons and wine tours. Now, the refurbished kitchen has two large range cookers and plenty of space for classes so the plan is to offer these on a more formal basis.
Karen is planning an extensive choice of courses, launching this summer. I’m guessing some will be timetabled and some will be on request. Here’s a taster of what you could be in store for…
- Wine Tasting and Pairing: visit a local vineyard for a wee degustation and then cook to match the wines.
- Amuse Bouche: nibbles and snacks to accompany your aperitifs.
- Al Fresco Cooking: Grill and barbecue your way through summer with these original recipes and ideas for al fresco dinner parties.
- Cakes and Bakes for the week: get back into the kitchen and bake for the wee with foolproof cakes and bakes your family will love!
- Preserves: With guest tutor Vivien Lloyd.
- Cuisine de Charente Maritime: Cook local speciality dishes from the Charente Maritime which is rich in wine, dairy, beef and seafood.
- Fish and Seafood: It’s all about the sea – cook fish and seafood without fear!
- Cheat’s Dinner Party recipes: Cook a four course meal with ease, and lots of “cheat’s” that means you get to enjoy dinner too!
- Foundation Cooking – the Basics: Learn how to make sauces, mayonnaise, pastry and stocks.
- French Bread: From Baguette to Boule – explore how to make bread the French way.
- Cuisine de Bonne Femme: French Country Cooking for Everyday Meals.
My impression of the Lavender & Lovage Cookery School is that you’ll find yourself in a home from home, with an expert coach. When you get back to base, you’ll be enthused with the passion for food that Karen has, and you’ll have a deep insight into French culture, from Malcolm. But, you won’t feel that you’ve been taught – just that you’ve spent a week as part of an extended family, with all the love and care that Karen and Malcolm have to offer.
Of course I’m biased. But, you could always go and find out for yourself. It’s a unique offer and one that I suspect will charm everyone. If you’d like to find out more, do contact Karen via her blog on the link below.
Lavender & Lovage cookery school
Auberge de la Fontaine,
Montpellier-de-Medillan,
Charente Maritime,
France.
Oh that sounds so lovely. I can just imagine how welcoming Karen and Malcolm would, the perfect host and hostess.
Thanks so much for this wonderful review Fiona – Malcolm and I are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay so much and as you know,you are welcome to come back any time you can spare the time – and we will explore the rest of the Charente Maritime with you! Karen
Thank you so much for your hospitality! I really did enjoy my weekend…far too short a stay!
Dear Fiona
Lovely review! Exciting times ahead for Karen!
Yes indeed. I had a lovely time and hope I’ll be back soon
What a wonderful review and stunning place. Best Wishes and good luck with the Cookery School Karen.
Thanks so much Lynn! Karen
Having had the wonderful experience of staying with Karen and her Husband in their delightful home in France a few years ago. Karen has that wonderful talent that makes her such an astounding cook! congratulations Karen – Joy and Simon
We had a great time when you and Simon were over, and thanks so much for your kind words too Joy!
What an amazing weekend you had! I love the look of the food. I think Karen’s cooking school sounds fabulous.
I think the oysters & raclette did too!
YUMMY weekend
Come on down Stevie! 🙂
That sounds utterly, utterly scrumptious!
Happy birthday Fiona. This looks so dreamy. I am sure the offers will be snapped up by happy customers..cooking is always handy to learn. The place seems really charming.
Wow, you both spoke of this on Monday afternoon. It looks idyllic. Raclette is the best ever for guests getting stuck in isnt it? Best wedding present ever, we love our 😊 The cooking school sounds wonderful too.
Would love to see you both here Anita-Clare! 😉
Oh gosh those cheeses look fantastic! I know it isn’t very French but a vegetarian course would be wonderful – I would have to stick with the cake making (which would be no hardship!!). This looks like a great experience.
I know Karen’s parents are both vegetarian (and in their 80s!) so I am sure that wouldn’t be a problem for her. I’ll mention it when we next chat…
GREAT idea Fiona and Globalmouse – added to the list!
What a brilliant idea and in such a lovely place. I’d love to come to one of these. Sounds like such a treat – and I love cooking and baking.
I’m so jealous of all the cheese – it’s hard to find in China! great photos!
This place looks perfect for a relaxing getaway. The fishing huts also remind me of the ones in Fort Kochi, India! And I’m desperate to know what that red dressing served with the oysters is? I got addicted to fresh oysters at the fish markets in Australia… Yum. 🙂
The dressing is red wine vinegar with finely diced shallots Peter! Called sauce Mignonette.
This looks amazing. I always love cooking classes, as they are such a good way to better get to know a culture. And the cuisine is an especially important part of the culture in France. Would love to do this!
This sounds like a lovely experience. One of the best (if not the best) ways to discover a new culture is by its cuisine.
Oh my god. I am obsessed with everything French. SO much that I went and learnt the language too! I would absolutely love to experience Karen’s hospitality myself. So lucky for you to have been able to spend your birthday there!
Oh my god, this post makes me want to jump into an apron right away and start cooking. Loved all those pics as well. Thanks for sharing!
I want to go! This has everything I love: architecture, food, history, and lovely people it seems. And your photos are making me drool. And raclette! One of my favorites. A friend used to have raclette parties rather frequently – I miss that!
This looks perfect! A beautiful place to stay, wine tasting and cooking. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Thanks for all of your kind and positive comments – the new page advertising the cookery school will be up soon (on my site Lavender and Lovage) and in the meantime you can email for any ideas for courses or to book some! Karen