The Elusive Cooking Competition

Chef Boucheron

Today, at least for a while, the sun shone.  I took myself off in search of the Prosper Montagne Prize competition.  I first went to the Tourist Board, and they couldn't give me an answer when I asked if the public was allowed to watch.  Then I found the Chamber of Commerce, and they didn't know whether or not it was open to the public, either.  But they were able to give me the address of the CFA buildings where the competition was being held. Because I have been on the bus that goes out that way, I felt reasonably confident that I could find it.  Off I went.

I got off at the correct stop and made my way in what seemed to be the generally correct direction.  There is a school complex there where various trades are taught, I think.  I asked direction of two teachers out for a cigarette break and they confirmed that I was indeed on the way.  They gave me a final set of directions. I have no qualms now about asking people for directions (not that I ever had many before) and if I am asked for directions, I always, always try to help.  I have heard stories of people, a.k.a. American tourists, being deliberately led astray, but I have never had that happen to me.

Cradling the wine very carefully

I arrived at the cooking school facilities and followed the sign to the office, where I asked the tallest Frenchman I have ever seen if the public was permitted to watch.  He told me that he didn't know anything about that group, and then very gallantly offered to lead me to the hall.  

This photo was an accident, but I like it.  It captures the spirit of the Festival.

Once at the door I was greeted (that's a nice way of saying stopped) by some dignitaries.  When I asked if I could be permitted to watch, I obviously confounded at least one of them. He asked me what media organization I was with.  I told him I was just an American tourist who wanted to watch the cooking. At that point the handsomest man I have ever seen stepped forward and took over the conversation in English. I finally understand the meaning of "sharp dresser."  He was so stylish as to cut my eyes out.  Wow, wow, wow!  Anyhow,with the utmost charm and poise, he told me that the public was not permitted, and gave me the run-down of the day's events. At the present, he explained, they were taking publicity photos of the competing chefs. Then they will present the produce at 1:00 for the chefs to make their selections.  Can you imagine the quality of THESE ingredients?  The events won't be over until nearly 7 or 8 this evening, when Chef Boucheron will award the prize.  I agreed that it probably was too long to watch and made him promise to take lots of photos; he agreed and gave me his card with address of the web site.  He is the President International of the Club Gastronomique de Prosper Montagne.  I think in the culinary world, that's a big deal.

He was nice to me, but I will bet he brooks no nonsense in his kitchen.

I should have asked Chef Boucheron when I was talking to him on Saturday, to intercede on my behalf, but I didn't think of it. He was nice enough; I'll bet he would have done so.

So, I didn't get in; apparently they couldn't believe anyone would even want to watch. I did get to have a good long walk in the sun. I learned a different part of town, and enjoyed a most pleasant conversation with an Arab woman on the bus back into the Bastide.  I got home before the rain shower, and the sun is back.  All in all, it is still a good day.