The Spekko France Trip

Ai Revoir (DAY 6)

Feasts are everyday occasions at La Creuzette. And the last evening was a dress up affair with food and décor reminiscent of a Renaissance extravaganza.

While Hardy took the crew and guests to a nearby nougat factory, Louise and started on the décor in the summer dining room.

Fluffy cockerels were placed on plinths, with ivy drapes alongside stemware in shades on deep purple to regal gold. The napkins and tablecloth represented jewel-like colours, with the “coup de grace” of blue and gold plates designed by Louis.

Louis and Hardy always dine in style. They have their damask serviettes hand-coloured to spec; they acquire authentic antique cutlery and crockery wherever they go and when in Paris, they seek out beautiful glasses and stemware.

The food on the last evening wax a combined effort from Hardy Olivier and the two Kokkedoor winners Marius Uys and Chrismont Greeff.

Hardy Olivier’s showpiece foie gras cappuchino with a base of concentrated veal stock was served with a grating of tonka beans.

This was followed by Chris and Marius’s 5 hour oil roasted lamb served with potatoes cooked fondant style, which were then individually deep-fried in a truffle tempura batter.

A tiramisu topped with meringue followed and then a late, late night with wines, cognac and even a bottle of red Chateauneuf d Pape.

To give credit to some of the South African guests – they were so awed by the company that they never made it to bed.

On the last day several guests departed on the morning train to spend the last day in Paris.

The five remaining guests visited the town of Montuclon which dates from medieval times. In the old town which formed the centre of the visit one can still see the fountains which were the sole water sources for the inhabitants of Montlucon during this time.

It was also market day in Montuclon with organic vegetables, cheeses, honey and breads for sale. Antique shops, bistro’s and bars with tables spreading out onto the pavement were sprinkled along our walking route.

Within the part of France we saw, almost everybody had a dog in tow. Apparently spoiled to death, owners were parading their dogs called FrouFrou, Gitan, Ariette, Bondieu, Cacahuette, Eustace and Garcon, or at the market, setting their puppy called Jolie, Etoile or Gigi up on a hand crocheted blanket in a sunny spot; or visiting the café for a pastis or vin du pay and a bowl of water for the puppy next to the table.

Life in France seems idyllic. There is always time for a cigarette under a plane tree, an afternoon nap after a lunch with some vin rouge and a walk to town in the morning to buy a fresh baguette at the boulangerie.

The Spekko Rice winners were radiating happiness and glowing with a touch of French sunshine when they gathered at Terminal 2 E at Charles de Gaulle where Air France’s Airbus A380 were waiting on the runway for the overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Just a last shop in the duty free “Buy Paris” store for some foie gras, truffles and an Eiffel tower imprinted dishcloth – and we were off to another day in Africa,