ART AND COOKING CLASSES IN FRANCE - Comments from our clients

Zone de Texte: Some comments from our new friends... Dear Philippe et Marie-Pierre… --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 What a beautiful week in Provence! I learned so much about French food, countryside life and history and loved every minute of it! What delightful hosts you both were. I hope to do it again! Friendly. (Erika G Seattle, WA USA) I want to thank you very much for a wonderful week, for the great time, the delicious food and wines, the lovely atmosphere and more than anything, for being yourself! Yours, (Orly F., Israel ) This week has been a long-held dream come true. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for a wonder-ful week. My room was wonderful; the cooking lessons were not only informative but much fun & helped by excellent wines; the trips to Gordes, Saint Remy-en-Provence, Chateauneuf-du-Pape & Avignon much appreciated; the food in the markets a sight-delight. Thank you for the driving, the waiting & the stories shared. Merci, merci, (Margaret D., New Zeeland ) These few days with you in Provence have restored my soul. Your attentive kindness throughout the lessons, tasting, shopping, sight seeing, and getting right in the middle of all olive oil & garlic has nourished not only my body but my mind and spirit as well. And what a fun! Thank you sweet friends for an unforgettable time together. Will certainly meet again. (Linda B., USA) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 I am so, so, so happy to have met you and to include you in my fabulous memories of Provence. I have made several of the dishes that we learned with you.The apple tart and the lemon tart both were hits as was the Nicoise sauce with a fillet of cod. I hope you know that the experience you provided was espe- cially wonderful because of that great people you are. My mom and I continually comment that you two are the reason that we’ll never forget our trip. (Heather G., IL) You are so special! The definition of "Good Food" is "Philippe" - new wonderful friends! We look forward to seeing you in Maine and in the Malibu ! Much love.(Nancy C) We have tried many of the recipes in our home and they are great (we made a wonderful sauce for the duck recipe). In fact, our experience in Provence has changed the way we live and eat! Best Regards, nos amis, (Camille and James W.) We have come to the conclusion that our cooking class was the high-light of our vacation.Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. Not only were your both so open to sharing your professional exper-tise, but we also felt like we made new friends who gave us a marvelous taste of what it means to live in Provence. It is truly heaven on earth. Thank you indeed (Joyce & Lauren A, Fair Oaks. CA) Thank you so much for a week I could never forget. Not only was I able to take an adventure into the culinary arts, but I was able to sit and enjoy the amazing company of two wonderful people. All that I have learned will be invaluable to me for the rest of my life. I cannot say enough what a pleasure it has been to sit and talk with you both. I have been truly blessed by your friendship. Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, home and friendship with me. (Kari B.,IH) It has been more than a Culinary Adventure in Provence! Both Theresa and I have had a truly fabulous week in which you passed on to us not only your culinary skills but a knowledge and insight into Provence itself. Your proffesionalism, sense of humour and ability to teach English "convenience food" eaters has been greatly appreciated. We look forward to reading your book and wish you health, prosperity and good luck in the future! (Phil & Theresa B., Great Britain) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 Everyone had loved the food! We did the salmon unilateral and the chicken with 40 cloves of garlic, the lemon tart, the apple tart, the carpaccio. We enjoyed our time with you both so much. I can honestly say that I have never had so much fun in the kitchen!! You were so helpful and patient with us and enthusiastic about our meals, so we all had a wonderful time. What more could one ask for than someone to plan menus and shop for us, good friends to cook and eat with, and someone to serve us? This was one of our best vacations ever, and we thank you so much! Thanks again for a wonderful week; we've been raving about it to all of our friends. (Jean & Mac McL., USA) I feel like I have good friends in the South of France now - I made the poires au vin rouge last nite and blew my neighbor from the Basque country away - he loved it (...) I hope we will definitely stay in touch. Thanks a million for taking care of the car and train for me. You guys please feel free to use me as a reference any time. Best wishes, (Charlie Clements, Florida) We had indeed a marvelous week in Provence with our new friends: Yoriko, Charlie, Lonia and André, and Le Grand Chef Philippe.and Marine.Thank you for teaching us so well "la merveilleuse cuisine de Provence" and most of all "la joie de vivre" (Ann & Lars P., Sweden, Oct 2003) (...) Philippe Gion did a wonderful job - we prepared five wonderful meals, got some great background on regional foods and customs and met some terrific people. Philippe is a funny and patient chef who loves his work and he is just tremendous - I actually needed to make some changes to my train and car schedules and he just plunged right in and helped out. The Mas de Clairefontaine is a beautiful (very quiet place) to which I’m sure I’m return one day. The classes were fun, informative, we went to a couple of local villages to check out markets - all and all - lots of fun and very highly recommended.(Charles C, Florida)) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- and more Merci. Those two weeks were indeed superb. I will remember “ Champagne for everyone! ” When I will return to Laguna Beach "de Provence" were my friends await, I will tell them that “ la vie est belle” as you taught us. Merci again. (Marni M. - Laguna Beach, 1999) Fantastique, Magnifique! Merci pour votre kindness and wonderful food. Such lovely and professional people you all are. (Suzanne R. - San Francisco,1997) You guys are great ! I will never forget the food or the château de Léauville for as long as I live and maybe longer. (Jim T. - San Francisco, 1996)

Some references

and comments from

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

"Your enthusiastic and caring attitude is greatly appreciated by everyone. (...) The overall quality of food is excellent. Overall rating : Excellent."

(Evaluation for Chef Philippe Gion - Stanford,1997-1999 )

" Philippe, Thanks for being such a friendly and working hard chef. You will always be part of my happy memories of East House."

(Brie, Stanford University)

" Dear Philippe, Thank you for making my job so much easier ! It’s a joy to work and to con-verse with you ! Have a great summer in France (world cup 98) and see you in the fall."

(Alvin C. - Stanford kitchen manager)

" Dear Philippe, Thank you for a wonderful year. You’ve taught me a lot and I shall always remember you and Marie-Pierre."

(Jane P. - Stanford residency manager, 1999)

" Philippe, You have not only served food for our stomachs, but also food for thought. Thanks for your constant wisdom and optimism. You have made our meals happy. Always." (Darlene D., Stanford University)

" Cool accent ! Cool attire ! Cool authentic delicious food !

Awesome."

(Pak, Ph.D, Stanford University)

"Dear Philippe,

We will miss your delicious meals, your "joie de vivre" and your great interest for the classic music.(…) Thousand thanks from our hearts.

Good luck in France"

(The "East House Quartet"

Stanford University.-1999)

We have had a perfectly wonderful time with you, learning many recipes. (..) You made it so very easy to breakdown what we initially thought were complicated recipes, but to our great joy & surprise, extremely easy & beautiful to look at. A plus of course is that we did not gain any weight! I think it is the terrific wines we drank! You are very personally lovely people, so patient & forthcoming with tricks of the trade. (Johanna & George B., CA., USA)

(…) You have a grand "joie de vivre" and it is quite contagious. Lots of love. (Julie B. Australia)

Julie B Ohao,

Culinary Adventures in Provence

2007

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