Offline in France (Date TBA)
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:23 pm
On my recent sojourn to San Francisco to one of Roy's famous madeira road shows, I happened to be sitting next to David Spriggs who, like me, is familiar with the Quercy Perigord (aka Dordogne/Lot) region of France. We got to talking about the crazy (as in mouthwatering) cuisine, the varieties of asparagus in season, the wine (not just proximity to Bordeaux, but also the lesser known/regarded Bergerac/Pecharmant and Cahors), the cepes, the best foie gras, black truffles, and so on. We began to wonder if we could roust a few people together to do a really nice trip away, enjoying all those fun experiences. But before you think this is too off topic for the forum: let's add in that each person bring something (and to even the score can be VP or madeira -- with so many nights, we can certainly split between the 2 and have 2 all-out tastings). An extended offline if you will. I'm thinking an evening starting out with a glass of ratafia or vin de noix, then on to some amuse-bouche, then fresh pan-seared foie gras and monbazillac, a small portion of dourade or salmon, then probably some magret de canard and pommes sarladais, wine all the way through, and then on to the port or madeira. But open to suggestions..... As for me, I would be happy to contribute either the 1863 Barbeita Bual, or the 1834 Barbeito Malvasia (unless on the forthcoming trip to Portugal I find something else). Of course, could always top off with some vintage armagnac.
Just think: caves, castles, crazy cuisine, cheese (the 4 C's, never mind good company of like-minded people), and then add insanely picturesque villages. walnuts, and gorgeous countryside. Golf, canoeing, cycling. We sort of thought a group of 8-10, but if there were sufficient interest, we can figure out details to accommodate a few more. It would be a range of farmhouse accommodation and possibly including a modern B&B for those who prefer. Then it is just the question of when (spring and fall are best, and likely this would happen in 2009, not 2008). Obviously welcoming people from everywhere (UK and so on as well as US).
Just think: caves, castles, crazy cuisine, cheese (the 4 C's, never mind good company of like-minded people), and then add insanely picturesque villages. walnuts, and gorgeous countryside. Golf, canoeing, cycling. We sort of thought a group of 8-10, but if there were sufficient interest, we can figure out details to accommodate a few more. It would be a range of farmhouse accommodation and possibly including a modern B&B for those who prefer. Then it is just the question of when (spring and fall are best, and likely this would happen in 2009, not 2008). Obviously welcoming people from everywhere (UK and so on as well as US).