Entertaining in Grand Style

Chef James Viaene shares his favorite memories and recipes accumulated over fifty years working in the grand homes and fine kitchens of the Parisian elite. James Viaene began his culinary career in the midst of a post war cultural revival of sumptuous dinners, balls, and galas. He started in some of [...]
Visa längre beskrivning

Chef James Viaene shares his favorite memories and recipes accumulated over fifty years working in the grand homes and fine kitchens of the Parisian elite. James Viaene began his culinary career in the midst of a post war cultural revival of sumptuous dinners, balls, and galas. He started in some of Paris's finest restaurants and later was hired at the Parisian residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. He then trained under a series of renowned cooks, and became a chef in his own right in the kitchens of eminent public figures such as Georges Wildenstein, Jean de Souza-Lage, and Michel David-Weill, who demanded extremely high standards. In 1970, Viaene entered the British Ambassador's residence in Paris, a unique locale where the chef plays a central role. The historic home, where he carried out the rest of his forty-year career, provided an idyllic setting for serving his best-loved recipes. In this richly illustrated volume, Viaene recounts his memories, amusing anecdotes, and favorite recipes from throughout his reign in the prestigious kitchen. From the famous Beef Wellington served to Queen Elizabeth II, to "typically English" tea, and the pot-au-feu inspired by childhood memories, each dish is enhanced by the residence's legendary silver service, one of the treasures of the British Embassy in France.