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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Ready to eat French food!

Ogle the really gaudy decor you can see ~~on Google street view~~ through the window!

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.

He's here eating, too.

Anything I haven't thought of? Want a waiter or something? Have questions?

They'll probably have to wait till I've had coffee.

Cosette Fauchelevent

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.

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.

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

"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."

"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."

Alana

"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."

Lottie Grote

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!"

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.

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

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

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

"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.

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

"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."

Kaylin Neya

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

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

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International Cuisine | Monday, first period

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