Le Picnic des Chefs French Cook-off

Hats off to the Club Culinaire of Southern California. This was the 31st Annual Picnic des Chefs Fundraiser of regional French cooking held this last Saturday under the trees in a beautiful natural setting, a place called Vasa Park in Agoura Hills. A snippet of the afternoon in a Photo-Reportage:

We were warmly greeted by Kora Kroep the event organizer and handed a blue Picnic bag containing all our picnic utensils to sample the regional French food either ” sur le pouce”, “à table” , or “sur l’herbe”.

Or under the giant tent entertained by a live band and a little dancing following the raffle of many worthy prizes including the big prize: Air Tahiti Nui two Round trip tickets to Paris or Tahiti fo the lucky winner!

There was something for everyone, a real family-oriented event. the big boys played Pétanque with Los Angeles Petanque Club

….not far from the “refreshment” station aka le bar sipping pastis.

While the littler kids headed for the giant slide in the supervised heated pool and other attractions around the park: petting zoo, rock climbing, photo Ops, etc…

The ladies strolled down wine country after lunch sampling a variety of different French wines & champagnes from the many Picnic Wineries.

The menu choices were très alléchants but be forewarned and get there early next year to enjoy some of the best LA French chefs in LA.

Appetizers Pate de Canard made by Maison Akira, Josie Restaurant ‘s Quiche Lorraine and Pissaladiere from The French Market Cafe and Smoked Salmon from Michel Cordon Bleu to name a few and wonderful artisan Bread & Baguette from various bakeries in LA ( Jacques bakery, Bread LA, Sadie Rose Baking Company, etc…)

From Provence; leg of lamb (Sofitel), Tri-Tip ( Lilly’s) Ratatouille (Le Cordon Bleu) and Golden Beet Salad with Goat cheese ( Joe’s Restaurant) , inspired from Britanny we had Shrimp & artichoke (BLVD), Rice Pilaf & Poached Salmon ( St Regis Hotel/ Church & State) and last but not least Rotisserie Chicken from Paris (Biltmore) with oven-roasted potatoes ( La Cachette) and a Mesclun salad (Le Chêne)

Cheeses & desserts from Sweet Temptations, Maison Richard, LA Patisserie, Emil’s Swiss pastries, Berty Siegels, and Melissa’s Produce Co. went very fast! Crepes, eclairs, clafoutis, and waffles. I got to taste an almond base chocolate mousse, pas mal du tout!

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne (NY) also welcomed us warmly with a delightful sampling of bubbly which set the tone for the afternoon.

I also enjoyed sampling delightful new white wines, Piqueboule, Chardonnay, as well as a few delicious French Rosés Do You Tropez and Clos Clementine Rosé de Provence as well as an unpretentiously delicious Blanc de Blanc called Le Grande Courtage Blanc de Blanc .