France 2.0: Sunday, April 10, 2011

Today is family day, so the students are spending the day with their host families and I am spending the day with Patricia and Dan. Pat and Dan are hosting a garden party at 1:00 and are inviting several others who are active in the exchange program. There will be eleven of us all together. The weather is for sunny and the temperatures in the mid 70's. A high point is seeing my hosts from last year, Jean and Catherine. Jean has had some health issues and was not able to come to the US in February, and could not plan on hosting me this year. Fortunately, he looks and acts great. He is still dealing with medical issues but is making good gains. It was really great to see them again.

Dan is an amazing cook. The thing to remember here in France is that eating is an event, not a chore or duty. The meal ends up being six courses and takes over three hours. There is no rush to finish. Conversation flows freely.



Poached quail eggs on cucumber and topped with salmon eggs.





Jumbo shrimp served in a scallop sauce.




Muscles wrapped in sorrel leaves topped with cheese sauce.




Angler fish topped with caramelized grated grapefruit rind, served over a bed of spinach and sided with mashed potatoes.




Barbecued lamb served with fresh string beans and white beans.




Fresh strawberries over rhubarb sauce cooked in maple syrup and garnished with mint.


I'm not sure if this is how the French eat every Sunday, but it works for me.









Stay tuned. Tomorrow we go to Le Mans.



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