A Place Dear To our Hearts: France

France

Our France Culinary Adventure most certainly holds a special place into our hearts. This is where everything begun. I was yearning to share what I get to experience when visiting Anthony’s family. The authenticity, the immersion, the little “je ne sais quoi”… I had been juggling with the idea to bring people to my in-laws (I seriously considered it, they would gladly host anyone as if they were family, but really I could not seriouly ask such a thing!) But when I stumbled across Chateau de Pitray, my crazy idea started taking shape: A magical location where we can have Anthony’s family hosting WITH us!

I have held back on telling you all about our fall 2023 France Culinary Adventures as we are already sold out for 2024! However, we are already planning for Spring 2025 and even considering adding an other trip in Fall 2024! So keep reading, and if Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 entices you, send us an email. Your response will help us with our planning, and we’ll ensure you are among the first to have the opportunity to sign up!

Truly, there are no words that can fully describe the magnificence of this Culinary Adventure. The connection with Anthony’s family makes it truly unique, immersive, and extraordinary! As thrilled as they were to join us as hosts, I don’t think they fully grasped my vision until they experienced it for themselves. Our Culinary Adventures have become just as thrilling for Anthony’s family as they are for our clients. The word has spread, and every year we welcome more cousins, aunts, and uncles, more winemakers, and more locals who long to join our table! It’s an opportunity for them to connect with a different culture and see their own country, through our awe-filled eyes. And for us, it’s a chance to wholeheartedly immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of French culture.

Chateau de Pitray

First and foremost, let me tell you about Chateau de Pitray. It revives the inner child into anyone to explore all the secret corners of the Chateau! Getting down the grand spiral staircase makes you feel like a real prince/princess. Who has not dreamed to live in a Chateau! Chateau de Pitray is a 14th century castle. It has been in the same family for over 26 generations! It is a real castle with family memorabilia displayed everywhere. Jean, the current owner, is generously sharing his family home and history with us.  Each room has its own charm. The view from the castle tower is especially spectacular not to mention the journey up the narrow staircase leading up the tower!  But the best part is all the different locations to have our long table dinners. The front yard with grand view of the castle, the formal dinning room, the upper balcony overlooking the forest, the vineyard for a harvest picnic, by the pool for a BBQ with view of the castle… Our long table dinners are unequalled and we are privileged to have wonderful local guests joining us!

An Immersion into Wine Country

The Chateau de Pitray is situated just outside the renowned St-Emilion wine appellation in Bordeaux. This area is a true paradise for wine lovers, boasting some of the most exceptional wines in the world. On our France Culinary Adventure, we fully immerse ourselves the captivating world of wines, offering hands-on experiences that go beyond mere tasting.

To begin with, we have the incredible privilege of living on a winery itself! Chateau de Pitray is not only a majestic castle but also a thriving winery. Imagine starting your day with a tranquil morning stroll through the vine rows, taking in the sights, scents, and serenity of the wine estate. We also actively participate in the wine harvest, experiencing the labor and tradition that go into crafting exceptional wines. Additionally, we visit a tonnellerie, where skilled artisans craft the oak barrels that lend a distinct character to the wines.

Indulgence is the key theme on our Culinary Adventure, and what better way to indulge than with a delectable lunch in the picturesque vine rows? Surrounded by nature and the vineyard’s beauty, we savor unforgettable moments filled with flavors and new friendships.

Throughout our journey, we have the privilege of dining with passionate winemakers, engaging in memorable conversations about their craft and the art of wine creation. We also have the opportunity to visit several wineries, each with its own story and terroir, deepening our understanding and appreciation of the Bordeaux wine region.

 I also take great pleasure in conducting a few wine workshops during our aperos.

Our France Culinary Adventure offers an unforgettable wine experience, designed to be both accessible and captivating for wine enthusiasts of all levels.

French Delicaies

In addition to our immersive wine experiences, we also indulge a culinary journey through French gastronomic delights. From foie gras, homemade liquors and aged beef  lovingly prepared by Anthony’s family to local specialities such as an oyster fest in Bay Archachon and a delightful 5 courses truffles meal it is a feast for the senses! Through these gastronomic experiences, we immerse ourselves in the true essence of French cuisine. Each bite is a discovery, revealing the passion and dedication of the artisans and chefs who create these masterpieces. There is no better way to discover the heart and soul of France than through its sublime cuisine.

Our Joy of Hosting

When we had the Market Bistro, it was a true pleasure to host all our clients. Sharing our passion for good food and beverages and hosting others is something dear to Anthony and I. Somehow, it is part of who we are. It is no surprise, that what we cherish most about our Culinary Adventures is having the opportunity to host our clients/new friends. For one entire week we welcome everyone to our family, creating a genuine bond with the local culture. We carefully curate itineraries that unveil the hidden gems of the region providing immersive experiences. But the true magic happens when we invite our guests to our long tables for memorable meals. It’s during these shared moments that connections are forged, stories are shared, and a sense of belonging emerges.

We genuinely would be honoured to host you as well. Let us know if you are interested in joining us for either a possible second Fall 2024 Bordeaux Culinary Adventure or the soon-to-be-available Spring 2025 Bordeaux Culinary Adventure. Be part of our extended family and experience beauty of France, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And if you can’t join us, stay connected! We will gladly take you along with us on our travels through pictures and stories;)