Papilles en Éveil Chez Aubry

As mentioned in the April 27th posting, Anna is a happy participant in the Papilles en Éveil lunch group.  And, at Brigitte’s (our leader) request, Anna agreed to host the May 30^th gathering at our apartment. 

So at around 10AM, Maria (Spain), Ying (China), Nada (Thailand), Pauline (France), Lisa (USA), and Brigitte (France) arrived at our apartment to prepare and enjoy a luncheon repast.  Anna welcomed the ladies at the door with glasses of Cremant (a sparkling wine from Bourgogne) and cocktail napkins saying “la vie est belle!” to set the mood, and the fun began. 

The menu consisted of Ying’s entrée of steamed spring vegetables with a yummy dipping sauce, plat of “Heavenly Beef Casserole”, and Maria’s dessert of Coca da llaveneres.  Amazingly, they managed to prepare all that good food in our little kitchen without bumping into each other too much and while thoroughly enjoying themselves!

Maria and her Coca da llaveneres

Meanwhile, David was sequestered in our bedroom.  Normally, he would be out riding his bike and having lunch with Roger.  But, Roger was not feeling well, and the weather was not conducive to bike rides.  David thought he would spend several hours in quiet (relative) while he read and just hung out.  However, the ladies asked where David was, and Anna confessed that he was hiding in the bedroom.  So much for sequestering in quiet!  The group unanimously demanded he join the group for lunch.  He protested, but was outnumbered 7 to 1, so another place was set at the table, and David joined the group.

L-R:  Brigitte, Anna, Pauline, Maria, Lisa, Nada, Ying
about the enjoy their entrée

As always, all the ladies happily enjoyed consuming the fruits of their labor (along with glasses of Rosé and Côtes du Rhône) amid lots and lots of fun conversation.

The group always leaves the home of the hostess in near perfect order and does a great job of cleaning up after themselves.  But, this time David earned his lunch be insisting on doing all the hand washing.  You can rest assured he earned some points there!

Around 3:30 the group broke up and everyone went home.  It’s a little amazing how quickly these lunches transition from lots of people and busy activity to just the host(s).   Suddenly, we were back to the two of us – time for a quiet glass of wine and conversation about the days’ activities.  Another successful Papilles en Éveil !  I am always amazed that we can all fit into this kitchen and not get in each other's way AND have fun at the same time. David was hanging out in our bedroom since the weather was definitely not conducive to escape by bicycle, but when my friends found out he was here, they INSISTED he join us for lunch. He was really reluctant (honestly!), but what are you going to do when an apartment full of women demand your presence?! When it came time to finish cleaning things up (we always make sure to clean up after ourselves and leave the hostess' residence looking great), they were impressed when he insisted on helping with washing up. He definitely earned his lunch! I am always amazed that we can all fit into this kitchen and not get in each other's way AND have fun at the same time. David was hanging out in our bedroom since the weather was definitely not conducive to escape by bicycle, but when my friends found out he was here, they INSISTED he join us for lunch. He was really reluctant (honestly!), but what are you going to do when an apartment full of women demand your presence?! When it came time to finish cleaning things up (we always make sure to clean up after ourselves and leave the hostess' residence looking great), they were impressed when he insisted on helping with washing up. He definitely earned his lunch! r other member, is off in England). I am always amazed that we can all fit into this kitchen and not get in each other's way AND have fun at the same time. David was hanging out in our bedroom since the weather was definitely not conducive to escape by bicycle, but when my friends found out he was here, they INSISTED he join us for lunch. He was really reluctant (honestly!), but what are you going to do when an apartment full of women demand your presence?! When it came time to finish cleaning things up (we always make sure to clean up after ourselves and leave the hostess' residence looking great), they were impressed when he insisted on helping with washing up. He definitely earned his lunch!