Gourmet French Cuisine with a Professional Chef in Saint-Ouen

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Marie and Florent are a delightful couple living just outside of Paris's 18th arrondissement in Saint-Ouen (they live just next to Paris' amazing flea and antique market, one of the largest in the world, so be sure to stop there before or after your experience!). Marie went to cooking school after being encouraged by her husband Florent who raved that Marie was one of the best cooks he had met and was destined to work in food. They met in Senegal, where Marie is from, and after getting married in Dhaka moved back together to Paris in 2010. Florent is a freelance graphic designer who formerly worked for the French foreign affairs office and Marie, when she is not working for her restaurant, loves dancing. They both love going to the cinema and museums, so be sure to ask Florent for recommendations.

What to expect:

Market Visit: (Only available on Saturdays) Join Florent for a walking tour that will include his favorite fromagerie, a cheese shop that specializes in products solely from the lesser-known Jura region of France. Pick up some cheeses to end your meal and take a leisurely 20-30 minute walk back to their apartment, stopping at the local market along the way to pick up fresh vegetables for your meal.

Cooking Experience: Learn how to make a traditional French classics with a professional chef in Marie and Florent's small, private kitchen. Marie will teach you how to make classical French dishes that are elegantly presented, like oven-roasted cod with assorted roasted vegetables and pureed cauliflower, or roasted chicken with Marie's secret recipe for rich "jus". After you have prepared 1-2 dishes, depending on their complexity (Marie may have prepared a few additional things requiring more time in advance), enjoy your meal together in Marie and Florent's living space that they convert to a dining area. You will be sure to leave full!

Meal: Join Marie and Florent in their cozy one bedroom apartment for a plated, three-course meal of gourmet French classics. Marie is an outstanding cook who will keep you well fed with traditional French dishes that will include a first course, main dish and a dessert. You might enjoy dishes like delicately roasted cod with pureed cauliflower and roasted vegetables; boeuf bourguignon, or roasted chicken with Marie's incredible jus reduction. For dessert, enjoy a selection of cheeses in addition to sweet crepes or seasonal fruit salad. Please note that you will enjoy your meal in their living and dining area on their ingenious dining table that converts from a coffee table.

Choose a starting time, either: 1:00pm or 8:00pm.

Note: Please note that Marie only speaks French and a very small amount of English (she understands English but does not speak much!); her husband Florent speaks English and will be available to help translate during experiences.

Also please note that Marie and Florent prefer to host on the weekends, so they will be more likely to be available if you select a weekend date. Market tours are only available on Saturday.