Cooking school in Beaune.
It was a “Thelma and Louise” adventure!
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Two weeks ago, some dear friends and I had a “Thelma and Louise” adventure in Burgundy! We went to cooking school at The Cook’s Atelier in Beaune! I thought it would be fun and interesting but I had no idea how fabulous the school would be! The three owners – Kendall Smith Franchini and her husband Laurent Franchini and Kendall’s mother Marjorie Taylor were some of the most inspiring cooks I’ve ever met. They embody country French cooking that is both simple and so stylish, and you know that’s exactly what I love most!
They taught us how to make everything from delicious cheese puffs, cheese soufflés in little copper saucepans, filet of beef with béarnaise sauce and lots of tarts – the fresh strawberry and the lemon tarts were out of this world! And Laurent paired each course with a delicious Burgundy wine.
If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime and the most inspiring week you can imagine – or if you just want to be a mental traveler, check out their Instagram account The Cook’s Atelier. I can’t wait to go back!
Ask Ina:
“Do you have a menu that you fall back on when you’re stressed that’s good for making after work?”
Do I ever! I’ve made it so many times over the last few years, I’m sure Jeffrey’s thinking, “Not the salmon again!”
My “fallback” menu is the Salmon Teriyaki & Broccolini from Go-To Dinners. It takes so little time and I love that the salmon and broccolini roast in the oven at the same temperature. The whole thing takes less than half an hour to make, and yet it’s elegant enough to serve to guests. I make it with basmati rice, which I can pre-set in my new KitchenAid rice cooker. Have I mentioned how much I love my new rice cooker??
This Week’s Favorites:
Lobster rolls, potato chips, and a market salad from Carissa’s Bakery on a boat with friends. I can’t think of a better way to start the summer!
I tested a Paella recipe on my new Paella cooker with my assistant, Mica. We took inspiration from a few different recipes, including Eric Ripert’s. We had so much fun - and a delicious dinner, too!
Hard to believe YOU went to a cooking school‼️. Did you teach them anything??
Sounds delightfull!’ I love hearing about your adventures. Big fan of yours! We are the same age and have 2 sets of all your books and an avid home cook. You go girl! Keep inspiring the rest of us and have a wonderful summer!