Home from the Market...and Into the Kitchen

Earlier this summer, my friend William Moore, owner of Provence Paradise in St. Remy, began offering a regular Wednesday market tour and cooking class for his guests….and it's been a huge success. Now he’s opened it up to others as well: travelers, locals, anyone who loves the idea of a fun foodie day with new friends. The program is called “Home from the Market... and Into the Kitchen.”

Provence Paradise  is a "hamlet" of seven self-catering rental homes, on an historic property with shared pool and gardens. You can read what I wrote about it, a while back, by clicking here.

Every Wednesday, William’s terrific cook Marie Losada takes a group to the big outdoor market in St. Remy, where they gather ingredients for a splendid luncheon. Then everyone piles into a large kitchen back at Provence Paradise and prepares the meal together, with Marie guiding them. There’s learning, laughter and copious amounts of food made from farm-fresh ingredients.  It's safe to assume that the wine-soaked lunch will go all day…and that you’ll need a serious siesta afterwards!  (There are soft drinks and juices for kids and those who don’t drink.)

A typical meal might be a seafood and avocado starter; followed by fish filet in a ratatouille sauce or chicken Provencal over wild rice from the Camargue; a selection of local cheeses; and a tart made with the fruit of the season. It really depends on what looks best in the market.

The market tour, group cooking session and lunch with local wines costs €60 for adults and €45 for kids age 8 to 12. Add to that the cost of ingredients which everyone shares. Please book at least TEN days ahead and let William know how many are in your party; also let him know how to reach you (home or hotel number, cell number and email, please). The party only happens if there are six participants and the max group size is eight. For more info or to book: william@provenceparadise.com or 06 07 82 66 63.

Photos: (1) A guest at a recent "Home from the Market..." cooking session at Provence Paradise. (2) A stall at the Wednesday market in St. Remy. (3, 4) Two of the dishes prepared during a recent ''Home from the Market..." session were a main course of free-range game hen with Provencal "smashed" potatoes and a dessert called "Belle Helène."  The first course was an avocado soufflé with gambas and a cheese course came before dessert.