Although I’d never met My French Heaven before in person, I have been dreaming for years and years of the opportunity to experience Stéphane and all that he is.
One of my very favorite things about this man is his love of friends and family.
These boys, these curls, this love.
And not only does a great day involve family and friends, but it also involves food, of course.
We ate and we ate and we ate.
But first, a trip to the market.
Salt crusted and baked seabass, of sorts. A little preparation in the kitchen, and we were fed like royalty.
And alongside this fresh fish, a bit of vinaigrette.
Simplicity is best.
In fact, it’s beautiful.
BUT, before the big meal ~
first things first.
- fresh shrimp – and I mean FRESH
- fresh French bread – the aroma and flavor is intoxicating.
- BREAD “this is how bread should smell. this is how bread should taste.” The texture must be perfect. Then, rub with raw garlic, spread a little farm fresh butter, and slather in goose rillettes. Truly divine.
Rillettes (/riː.ˈɛt/ or /riː.ˈɛts/; French [ʁiˈjɛt]) are a preparation of meat similar to pâté. Commonly made from pork, the meat is cubed or chopped, salted heavily and cooked slowly in fat until it is tender enough to be easily shredded, and then cooled with enough of the fat to form a paste. They are normally used as spread on bread or toast and served at room temperature.
- BREAD “this is how bread should smell. this is how bread should taste.” The texture must be perfect. Then, rub with raw garlic, spread a little farm fresh butter, and slather in goose rillettes. Truly divine.
- aperitif to accompany, of course.
- and a few cornichons – tart and tangy.
Oh, I had my fair share.
And then with dinner comes more wine. Fine white wine.
Following dinner, we must do it right.
Chocolate eclairs and strawberry delicacies on a custard and crust of heaven. Too sweet.
And following dessert, not to be forgotten ~ oh my cheese. MY CHEESE, indeed.
And the day did not end.
A jaunt into St. Emilion to visit the ancient city and all its glory.
Truly amazing in every way.
This was my French Heaven.
Can you create yours? You ‘ought too.
He’s one of a kind, I tell you.
