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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Excuse Cosette while she stared (yes, she knew it wasn't polite but she couldn't really help herself) at oh, basically everything. She might never be over the fact that modern-day Paris was such a different place from the one she remembered, for one thing. Honestly, what were all these relatively wide, straight streets? For another, this place had been one of the most prestigious and high-profile locations in the city in her time, too. Even the convent girls had known about it; there had been more than a few younger daughters of the nobility among them, and no power in heaven or on earth could completely shut down dormitory gossip at bedtime.

So in more than one way being here -- in the modern parlance -- blew her mind, especially since even by 19th century standards the decor here looked old.

Hannibal smiled and took a moment to let Cosette get her modern bearings. "It's changed quite a bit, I imagine."

"It has," answered Cosette, "and yet in this place it almost seems like it hasn't at all. The island is much closer to the Paris I remember than where we are now, to tell the truth. It's all very peculiar."

She paused, and laughed.

"Peculiar, yes, but I think it's fascinating as well."

"Have you ever considered bringing one of your friends here, or your father, for a visit?" Hannibal asked. "You could play tourist."

"I suggested it to my father, but he didn't seem interested," Cosette said, a touch of disappointment evident in her face. "Friends, though -- that might be interesting. I wouldn't mind exploring, since I never got to do too much of that even when I lived there."

The drawbacks of being parented by an escaped convict.

"We won't have much time today, I'm afraid," Hannibal said, "but you should have a lovely view of the gardens at least."

"Oh, that's all right. I'm sure I can manage it some other time," Cosette said lightly, "and for now I'll be happy to enjoy the view of the gardens."

International Cuisine | Monday, first period

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!

Re: Listen to Hannibal's intro, ogle Paris!