MEMORIES OF GASCONY.
Pierre Koffman with Timothy Shaw. Photographs by Anthony Blake. Illustrations by Christopher Corr.
FIRST EDITION 1990. 285 X 220mm. 1fep. Half-title with Koffman's signature. A double page title with Antony Blake's signature dated 12.5 90. Verso with Pub. details. p5. Contents. A photograph of Koffmann in the dining room of La Tante Claire. 7-9 Prologue. 10-13 Introduction. A double page title for Spring. 16-69. A double page title for Summer. 73-121. A double page title for Autumn. 124-185. A double page title for Winter. 188-247. 248-251 Epilogue. 252-254 Index. p255 Restaurants and Wines of Gascony. p256 Acknowledgements. 1fep. Cream coloured cloth hard cover with black text on the front and spine. d/w fine condition. The whole as new.
- Memories of Gascony centres on the Oratoire, the farmhouse of Pierre Koffmann's grandparents Marcel and Camille Cadeillan, situated in the village of Saint Puy in the heart of rural Gascony in the department of the Gers. This is an intimate account of school holidays spent helping his grandfather to harvest and hunt, and learning to treasure seasonality and the best ingredients at his grandmother's side. The finest of Gascony produce is here, with a focus on simplicity. The recipes stand the test of time. While you read the charming stories of everyday life on the farm, especially the foods available thro' each season, you'll understand the loss today, where foods shipped and available from all corners of the globe, at any time of the year, has wiped out the anticipation and delight seasonal tastes will bring. Read about Koffmann's Gascony dishes; 'Dandelion salad with bacon and poached egg', 'Grilled chicken with shallots and vinaigrette'. 'Greengages in armagnac' in Spring'; 'Chicken liver pate with capers'. 'Bayonne ham tart with garlic'. 'Oeufs a la neige' in Summer; 'Roast hare with mustard and beetroot'. 'Salt cod cassoulet and quince jelly' in Autumn; 'Fried eggs with foie gras, potato and bacon'. 'Pie and tarte aux pruneaux' in Winter; This is a book to love and learn great cooking from. Koffmann first worked as a chef in Strasbourg and Toulon, before moving in 1970 to the UK to work with Michel and Albert Roux at Le Gavroche. He originally only wanted to move to the UK so that he could see England play France at rugby at Twickenham Stadium. He then moved to the Roux brothers' Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, in 1972, being made the first head chef of the new restaurant, where he met his future wife Annie who was the restaurant's manager. He opened his own first restaurant, La Tante Claire, in 1977 in Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. During his time at La Tante Claire, Koffmann worked and trained several chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing and Tom Kitchin soon to share the same eminence. This is a great cook book that was recognised and awarded the Glenfiddich Food Book of the Year in 1991.
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Modern category
ref number:
11322