Last Call for “La Vie Rustic; 20 Seats Remain

Yes, we’re hyping our next prix-fixe event yet again.  With 5,000 peeps on our email list, not everyone opens, so pumping out multiple messages helps get the word out and fewer people say:  “I didn’t hear about this. . .aren’t I on your list any more?”  We’re celebrating the publication of Georgeanne Brennan’s latest cookbook, La Vie Rustic, with a prix-fixe dinner and book signing event on September 24 starting at 5:30 p.m. This is our final Sunday Evening Series program of the summer, and only 20 seats remain.

In the world of cookbook authors, Georgeanne is a rock star, with some 30 titles to her credit.  She is a James Beard Award winner and is widely recognized for two works: “A Pig in Provence” and “Potager:  Fresh Garden Cooking in the French Style.”  We are absolutely delighted she is coming to Old Town Auburn.

Chef Alexander has created a menu inspired by La Vie Rustic and blessed by Georgeanne.  Cost for the event is $120 per person, and everything is included: three French wine options, tax, tip and a copy of the cookbook (one per couple or single guest; retail price is $35, $22.48 on Amazon).  All reservations must be pre-paid online and because this is an event limited to 65 guests, there will be no refunds.

We’ll start the evening by rallying in the bar with a welcome glass of wine and a conversation with Georgeanne.  We’ll discuss her career, her approach to developing cookbooks and, of course, her process for maintaining life on two continents (Winters and Provence).  We’ll adjourn to the dining room and Georgeanne will circulate through the buildings to sign your books with a personal message.

Here’s Chef’s menu, served family style:

Appetizers on table upon arrival:

Selection of artisan and house-made charcuterie served with Pickled Summer Vegetables, Seasonal Fruit, Violet Mustard and Epis Baguette.
• Pork and Pistachio Pate
• Saucisson Sec
• Rabbit Rillettes
• Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Mousse
• From the cookbook: Goat Cheese with Lavender-Pepper Honey (Vegetarian)

First Course:

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Roquefort, Shaved Celery, Frisée, and Walnut Aillade

Second Course:

• Plum Wood Roasted Pork with Armagnac and Preserved
• Elephant Heart Plums
• Honey Glazed Early Fall Vegetables
• Swiss Chard and Fennel Gratin

Dessert (from the cookbook):

Frozen Meringues with Lemon Verbena Cream, Stone Fruit and Berries

Admittedly, my personal kitchen skills are limited, but I was smitten with La Vie Rustic (hardcover, 292 pages, 100+ recipes, profusely illustrated with color photographs).  I was especially intrigued with the way Georgeanne organized her approach to the union of the kitchen garden (potager), barnyard, orchard, field & forest and the sea.  This book is about cooking and living the way the French do (or at least, did) and it is populated with recipes that even mopes like me can replicate.

This will be an evening to remember, and we hope you’ll be able to join us as we welcome Georgeanne to the Friendly Confines!

Cheers,

gary