Chantilly Cream, Vatel and the Bilderberg Group

One of the delights of French cuisine is Chantilly Cream. And while treasured by chefs everywhere for its unique sweetness, few in the Industry know its amazing history.

The story of how Chantilly Cream was created centers around Francois Vatel, who lived during the 17^th century in France, but of course. Many sites refer to Vatel as a chef but he was instead a “Master of the Kitchen”. In this position he was responsible for designing and implementing the vast culinary display dinners that were the hallmark of power and influence during the era of Louis XIV.

As a result, he was the creative director of all the talents within the kitchen as well as the final evaluator of all ingredients used.  As you might imagine, a man with such an array of talents was greatly sought after by the rich and wealthy.

The winner employer was the Grand Prince de Condé, who had been impressed by Vatel's skills and pleased by the cream he had created and named after the Prince's home estate, Chantilly.  

In 1671 the Prince announced to Vatel that Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, along with an entourage of 2,000 would soon be visiting the Prince’s estate and must be entertained in a style worthy of Europe's most elegant monarch.

Vatel, who was the son of lowly a Swiss carpenter, saw this as an opportunity to display what talent, not rank, could achieve. For the first evening of the King’s arrival on April 23, a light supper of turtle soup, creamed chicken, fried trout and roasted pheasant was planned.

The evening feast was set in a garden especially crafted to resemble paradise on a tropical isle.  But to Vatel’s shock, the thoughtless King arrived with an additional 75 unexpected guests. (What chef would not understand his anger at such a sudden expansion of the guest count?)

The next day a final evening feast of Sole Almondine, Anchovies Sevigne, Melon with Parma Ham, Lobster Quenelles with Shrimp Sauce, Leg of Lamb, Vatel Duck Saluted in Madeira Wine and Strawberry Bombes was to be served.

When the correct amount of sole did not arrive by late afternoon, Vatel committed suicide in his rooms. Just after he was found, the delayed sole arrived and the feast was served, but without the sole to honor the passing of this legendary “Master of the Kitchen”.

So think kindly of Chantilly Cream and remember Vatel, who never served less than the best.

Post Note, May 30, 2012: Sometimes it seems that history repeats irself. Beginning June 5-8, the elite Bilderberg Group, which like Louis XIV often seems to influence world affairs, will be meeting at the Marriott Westfields Hotel in Chantilly, yes Chantilly, Virginia. One can only wonder if any of Vatel's amazing culinary creations will be on the meal there for the world's elite. 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and the London Olympics with Fortnum and Mason

All of Great Britain is getting ready to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. And what a party it is going to be – especially when followed by the London Olympics!

From boat races on the Thames to fireworks over London Bridge, the Queen should be pleased. And why no – she’s is second only to Queen Victoria in the length of her time on the throne.

She has seen England recover from World War II, her former colonies become independent nations and English arts and industry continue to influence the world's culture. Not a bad resume for a monarch!

The citizens of Great Britain will confirm these accomplishments in a seemingly endless stream of street parties, which are a unique English way of celebrating.

The first street gatherings were held in 1919, though they were actually more of a tea than meal, to celebrate the signing of the peace treaty at Versailles, which marked the end of World War I and its terrible trench causalities.

Street parties came into their own as full neighborhood food fests, complete with banners and dancing, as England celebrated the coronation of George VI in 1936, the coronation of the present Queen in 1953 and a host of royal weddings.

But if kitchen fare on paper plates isn’t quite your dish of choice, well, there is, always and forever, Fortnum & Mason’s, English esteem purveyor for over 300 years of all that’s tasty and unique.

Their hampers marked with the famed “F&M” logo have, like the English culture itself, crisscrossed the world, bringing pleasure to anyone lucky enough to receive one. The contents are always outstanding and true culinary treasures.

If you are in London for either the Queen’s Golden Jubilee or the Olympics, go and purchase one. If London isn’t on your itinerary, you can order a basket via the Internet.

Either way, you will never forget the experience. And the basket once it’s empty, can sit proudly on a shelf in your office silently telling all who enter that you shop at simply the best – London’s unforgettable Fortnum & Mason.

 Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

Menu Choices Equal Life Choices at the Zuckerberg - Chan Facebook Wedding

As you probably know by now Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan recently married after the public issuing of the company’s stock. 

And while many financiers are questioning the pre-release of background information to the major brokerage houses, what trend-watching members of the Hospitality Industry want to know is: What was served?

Because the wedding was initially announced as a celebration marking Chan’s graduation from medical school as a pediatrician, few pre-event details were available from either guests or vendors.

The 100 invited guests were startled, but delighted, on arrival to find that they were attending a wedding of Zuckerberg to a remarkable and very modern woman.

Chan, like Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs and an entrepreneur in her own right, and Anne Wojcicki, the wife of Google’s Sergey Brin and a founder of 23andMe, a genetic testing firm, is a professional woman in her own right.

But fame (and fortune) hasn’t gone to the heads of these women. Their feet are firmly on the ground – no $600 Kim Kardashian style stiletto high heeled shoes for this bride. And Chan’s wedding menu choices reflects the same common sense and self-confidence that is the hallmark of these insightful women. 

Chan chose Asian and Hispanic foods from two nearby neighborhood restaurants that are personal favorites of both she and Marc Zuckerberg, Palo Alto Sol and Fuki Sushi.

And the Wedding Cake? Well, there was none as any such a delivery to their residence would have triggered a massive and much unwanted press presence.

Instead, the couple chose to share a chocolate mouse (no, not a computer ‘mouse’), but a chocolate mouse complete with a tail from L.A. Burdick, a fabulous pastry firm located in Cambridge MA. 

The mice were a reference to the couple’s first date at Harvard University, which is also located in Cambridge. 

This is a couple that will truly set many future trends (such as personal choices rather than merely fashionably pricy ones). Congratulations and the Best of Wishes! 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

Italian Cheese Industry Suffers Major Damage from Earthquake

Northern Italy was struck over the past weekend by a massive 6.0 earthquake. Not only have six people sadly died and many others injured, but Italy’s esteemed Parmesan Reggiano cheese industry has been severely damaged.

The great cheese houses of the regions have lost over 300,000 giant cheese wheels, valued at over 8,000,000 EUR or $10,045,604 USD.

As far back as the era of Renaissance and Leonardo da Vinci, there have been questions as to why northern Italy suffers such severe earthquakes.

Today we know that the African tectonic plate, upon which Italy rests, pushes up and under the European tectonic plate, forming the Swiss Alps. The resulting pressure forces the former seafloor up, creating the high alpine peaks, complete with embedded see life fossils.

The price of Parmesan Reggiano will likely soon be equally high, so consider calling your supplier and laying in an additional store of this prize cheese.

Just be sure to remember, whether your menu includes Parmesan Cheese Baskets or Eggplant Parmesan, that many in Italy’s famed cheese industry are suffering, so consider contributing to the Italian Red Cross so that life (and cheese production) can return to normalcy. Viva Italia!

Post Note, May 29, 2012: Poor Italy! Another massive earthquake of 5.8 magitude hit northern Italy around 9AM local time today.

With many individuals in school or at work in already weakened structures, the death count has risen to at least 15.

Area cheese makers, who were then working to salvage their great Parmesan Reggiano wheels, have had to evacuate their warehouses as the ceilings and lights over head shook once again with frightening force.

Let's hope Mother Nature takes a rest very soon and grants a peaceful night of undisturbed sleep to all within the area.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

Remember the Children Will Listen on Mother's Day to What We Say and Remember

Mother's Day is, of course, about the joys of being a parent. But we should all stop on this day (and Father's Day, too) and remember the great responsiblity of truly nurturing and caring for our children no matter the size or shape of our family that is also part of being a loving parent.

And no one but no one captured that better than Stephen Sondheim in his memorable song, "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods.  Enjoy:

Happy Mother's Day everyone everywhere and remember that without smiling children at the feast there will no future worth having. 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012