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06/09/2008, 16:17 wiseinhindsight Joined on 10/06/2008 Posts 6 Gourmets and chefs I've had enough of paying for meals that just aren't that good (with a couple of exceptions) and would like to combine my keen interest in cooking and eating with meeting up maybe once a month with like minded people.  What I've got in mind is something where we could take it in turns to host a lunch - preparing the main course, with other 'members' bringing puddings or starters perhaps.  Maybe it could go on to a light hearted 'make something out of this ingredient' for next time - or with a theme each time (Indian, veg, in season, etc.).  I have to say I am not an expert - I follow recipes and do have the occasional disaster - but I enjoy it.  I like to think I have a fairly discerning palate - and certainly appreciate fine dining, so not for anyone looking just for cottage pie or chilli concarne (do love those too though!!!). I am near Sauze-Vaussais, just 5 minutes from the D948 / N10 junction.  However, if there was interest in an area slightly too far to travel comfortably, we could always have inter-group 'cook-offs'.  Any views, comments etc. welcomed. I'm getting older - when should I expect to start getting wiser?    Report

06/09/2008, 19:20 dragonrouge Joined on 08/02/2008 Posts 126 Re: Gourmets and chefs I think this is a good idea but unfortunately we are a very long way.  We have a similar idea starting to come together in Fontenay le Comte but are involving the French. However guard with respect against English enclaves as in bridge parties and g and t on the Costas.  We do of course live in France but I am with you on meals and values and all of that.  This week I had a steak in Niort and left it.  It was horrible and I did the English thing in not complaining.  Our dogs benefitted. However the week before we went to the Routier in L'Absie and for 11 euros it could not be faulted for 11 euros   At 20 or so it obviously could be faulted.    Report

07/09/2008, 4:09 Frenchie Joined on 31/05/2007 Niort, 2 Sèvres,79 Posts 4,515 Re: Gourmets and chefs Sounds like a good idea indeed! In the waters of life, you row your boat into the strongest tide that you can find.........    Report

07/09/2008, 10:31 wiseinhindsight Joined on 10/06/2008 Posts 6 Re: Gourmets and chefs Oh Dragonrouge,  I certainly don't want an English enclave - and really would prefer it to be not for 'couples' (certainly my husband was thrown into a panic when he thought it might involve him!).  Cooking is a hobby for me since I had to give up energetic sports due to an injury - and I'd love to be able to experiment with other like minded people - I've got a whole cupboard full of ingredients for Japanese cooking which I brought back from London, and no doubt it will still be there in another year unless I get kickstarted to have a go.  Plus, if it involved couples it would then run the risk of turning into a 'cosy lunch party circuit' which isn't the idea.  The reason that I'm suggesting meeting up during the day is that I have children at College and would prefer them to be out of the way! I'm getting older - when should I expect to start getting wiser?    Report

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