Ski France introduces a brand new Cooking Masterclass at its luxury château
On selected dates throughout the year, Ski France will be offering a brand new Cooking Masterclass at its grand Le Château de Candie. The luxury four-star château, which overlooks the town of Chambéry in the mountainous heart of Savoie, boasts handsome architecture and impressive grounds providing a striking setting for the gastronomic workshop. Participants will have the choice between a gourmet and a patisserie hands-on course, where they will learn many secrets of French cuisine.
The traditional French hotel is already an applauded destination for epicurean holidaymakers with two on-site restaurants where guests can indulge. La Cantine is a traditional brasserie offering homemade French dishes from a weekly menu, served with a glass of Viognier wine, which is made from grapes picked from the chateau’s own vineyard.
Downstairs, L’Orangerie is the château’s elegant gastronomic restaurant that attracts food connoisseurs from far and wide, who are keen to savour exquisite dishes, sample original amuse bouches and sip smooth wines recommended by the knowledgeable sommelier. The Michelin-recognised restaurant is run by Italian chef Bartolo Curro who marries his wisdom, flair and taste of Calabre, where he was born, to Savoyard ingredients; creating a characteristic fusion of flavours. It will be under Bartolo’s wing that participants in the workshops will learn the tricks of the trade.
Before taking to the kitchen, Bartolo Curro will discuss the format of the class over a cup of tea or coffee with the participants. He will explain the order of events and what dishes will be created, as well as giving them the recipes, a Château de Candie apron and signed menu to take home.
The group will then enter the kitchens of the celebrated L’Orangerie restaurant, don their aprons and step into Bartolo Curro’s shoes. With the chef, they will prepare two gourmet dishes whilst discovering a number of Bartolo’s cooking tips and the secrets of good cuisine, as well as finding out more about the surrounding area and the history of the dishes that they will be preparing. After the culinary masterclass and a celebratory glass of champagne, participants will sit down to a three-course lunch, including the two dishes prepared in the class.
To accompany the meal, Le Château de Candie will also offer a wine-tasting session. Diners will sip local wines that are carefully selected by the château’s sommelier, who will guide them through the tasting and allow them to discover the best wines of the region. Le Chateau de Candie has its own vineyards, which although died out in the late 1800s, were brought back to life in 2009; these vineyards produce just 3,000 bottles of its wine per year. What better setting to try such a rare wine than in such grand surroundings?
Plus, those with a sweet tooth can learnhow to make gourmet desserts in the Patisserie Workshop. Using fresh, fine quality ingredients, budding pâtissiers will make exquisite French desserts witha modern twist and enjoy them with a glass of champagne in the company of the chef.
The Gourmet Workshop costs €119 / £104 per person and is available next year on Saturday 16March 2019 and Saturday 12October 2019. Other dates can be booked for groups of six or more.
The Patisserie Workshop costs €75 / £65 per person and can be booked for groups of six or more.
Both workshops are open to everyone, whether or not they are staying overnight, and can accommodate four to eight people in each session (minimum age 14).
For more information, visit www.skifrance.co.uk or call 0203 475 4756.
