French students enjoy a gastronomic experience!

One way of enjoying the treasures of a culture is to explore the culinary delights of the place. France is well feted for its extraordinary gastronomy, but you don’t need to take a flight to experience the food. La Provence, a French restaurant aptly named for the birthplace of Chef Robert, is located in Brandon, Vermont. For over fifteen years, Chef Robert has welcomed Woodstock French students, preparing a three course meal, preceded by a French lesson in cooking. The cooking lab is located below the dining room and has a taste kitchen as well as a large mirror so that observers can see in detail just how Chef Robert prepares a meal. The “plat” on the menu for Wednesday, May 1st was Cordon Bleu, a filet of chicken rolled with ham and swiss cheese in the center, then topped with a lemon butter sauce. In a lesson that lasted about 45 minutes, students learned from Chef Robert the method of preparing a filet of chicken using a cooking hammer, the correct type of oil to use depending on the dish, the side dishes (mashed potatoes) and the sauce that is poured over the dish. In between the directions, Chef Robert recounted his career path, one that would eventually lead him to Brandon, Vermont. He spoke softly in a melodious French, and students from levels II to Advanced had no problem understanding what he was saying. After the lesson, students went up to the dining room where they ate a 3 course meal consisting of a green salad, and seminal French dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, poulet nicoise, and quiche aux légumes. Dessert was a choice between bombe au chocolat or crème brûlée au sirop d'érable. Students loved the lunch and returned to campus happy to have enjoyed such a great French culinary experience.