Thursday, May 14, 2009

Paris: Patricia Wells

Here I am...the happiest girl in Paris.
In 1995, Patricia Wells sent out a press release announcing that she would begin hosting classes called "At Home with Patricia Wells." A week long food-lover's experience in France filled with trips to the farmers' market, wine tasting and hands-on cooking with journalist, cookbook author and woman extraordinaire, Patricia Wells. I read the article and announced on the spot that I would someday attend her class.

Now fast-forward 14 years...I made it! How can I tell you how happy I am? How can I tell you how much fun we had? Six students and I spent a glorious week sampling cheeses, roasting nuts, constructing salads and talking, talking, talking with Patricia about all the things we love. Food, Paris, Wine, Food, Paris, Honey, Food, Paris, Mustard. It was wonderful. Everything I had hoped it would be and more.

What was a key component to my happiness? Anticipation. Classes are booked 2-years in advance. That means for the last 24 months I have re-read Patricia's books (Food Lover's Guide to Paris is my all-time favorite), mapped out the shops & spots I wanted to see, read up on Poilane bakery and generally savored every moment. I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you Patricia!

6 comments:

MmeBenaut said...

You do look amazingly happy there Anne. For an incredible cook like you, I hope that this experience was indeed all that you hoped and that you didn't go all the way to Paris to learn how to chop celery!! LOL.

Evelyn said...

Life is good, huh? Patricia Wells and Eric Tenin all in one trip. Lucky you!

Anne Reeves said...

Yes, life is good. The trip was japacked with food, fun and friends. Couldn't ask for more. And yes, I learned a lot!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Can't wait for all of your recipes.....what a fun time you must have had!

LillyB said...

I am so excited for you! It looks like you had an fabulous time! Are you going to write another book now that you have been inspired by Paris and all it offered you? Let us know!

Anne Reeves said...

Oh yes, there will be a book devoted to Paris, for sure. Stay tuned...