fandomhigh | International Cuisine | Monday, first period

Class met at Portalocity today, and Hannibal waited until they were gathered. "Good morning. A good bit of what we now think of as Western gourmet cooking is based in French recipes. So, I thought that we would start in France." He nodded to Lottie ~~if she were there~~. "Please stay close once we arrive; Paris is a large and busy city."

The portal dropped them off outside a restaurant; it was late afternoon. Hannibal ushered them all to the end of the colonnade. "These are the gardens of the Palais Royal, the royal palace. Those of you who aren't familiar with France, it hasn't been a monarchy for some time; it now houses some government offices and a library. But as you can see, it is still a lovely view." He smiled. "Today we will be dining at Le Grand Véfour." He read it to them, since the French pronunciation might be strange to some of them. "This restaurant has been here in one form or another for centuries, and is currently helmed by chef Guy Martin. The food is a mixture of traditional and modern French. I expect you to have questions about it; please ask. We're here to understand what we're eating as well as to enjoy it."

And with that, he led them into the restaurant.

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Not necessarily in that order! Hannibal speaks fluent French, so he'll talk to the waiters if you prefer. You've all got a table together, and Hannibal ~~is paying for~~ has charmed the owner into comping everything.

Cosette would be more than happy to help people with their orders too, seeing as she didn't have any trouble with her own. She was trying not to order anything too extravagant, out of habit, but she couldn't stop looking at some of the fancier options on the menu.

"How much has the food changed over the years?" Hannibal asked curiously. "I know many recipes are centuries old, but our interpretations of them may still be different."

"I'm not all that sure," Cosette admitted. "This is much more elegant fare than I'm used to, but after what I've learned in your classes I do suspect there are quite a few differences. Modern technology like stoves and such change the way food can be prepared, but also certain ingredients that may be easier or harder to obtain these days must have changed the recipes. As for how it tastes, much of this is new to me, too."

Hannibal nodded. "I hope you enjoy it nonetheless."

"I'm quite sure I will. Thank you for the opportunity, monsieur," Cosette told him.

"You're very welcome," Hannibal said, smiling.

Lottie's eyes went round as saucers looking at the menu -- specifically the prices. Then she proceeded to cheerfully order one of absolutely anything involving meat or cheese. In really deplorable French. Which the waiter proceeded to repeat back in English, to be sure she got it right.

"Roasted monk with rocket juice!" Lottie exclaimed after the exchange. "The French really know how to make eating excitin!"

Hannibal smirked. "Monk fish and arugula," he clarified. "I doubt a roasted monk in rocket fuel would taste very good."

"Depends on the rocket," Lottie said. "They've been makin great leaps in food-based fuels. Though I think they'd have to ordain a cow."

"I don't imagine the pope would be interested in that," Hannibal said, grinning. "But I suppose you could always ask."

"He'd be a fool to say no," Lottie said. "Think of all the publicity!"

"Possibly not the type that the church would be looking for," Hannibal pointed out. Although a cow would likely be better behaved than a number of priests.

"They could take it on tours." Sorry, Hannibal, Lottie was not the sort to be discouraged by reality. "All 'round Europe like the travelin shows of old. Come see the Amazin Monk Cow! Cow Monk? Brother Cowdfael! He can interpret the mysteries of the beyond, if only we could unnerstand his mooin."

Hannibal chuckled. "No vow of silence, then?"

"That seems a bit needlessly cruel," Lottie said. "What with the eventual roasting."

"If we're going to eat him, he should be able to complain as much as he likes first?" Hannibal asked.

"It seems only polite."

Hannibal laughed. "It does indeed. I should hate to be rude to my dinner." He gave her a little nod and toasted with his wine glass.

Alana ordered lobster as a starter, then lamb, with a mango dessert to finish. She ate with her eyes closed almost the entire time. She wasn't sure if it was the setting or if the food was Just That Good, but this would be a meal to remember for a long time.

International Cuisine | Monday, first period

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