If you love beauty, art, architecture, history, France has much to "gobble up" and is truly a feast for the eyes!  My photos do not do justice to the fantastic chateaux that we had the opportunity to visit during our culinary tour, A Taste of Le Berry 2010.  Hopefully, I will have my photos posted in the near future.  (I am presently in Texas helping my parents move to Missouri.)

The recent movie Eat, Pray, Love is definately a wonderful example of what a personal experience of another culture can bring into your life.  Traveling, experiencing the lives of other people and learning of a rich cultural heritage by immersing yourself always has its rewards. 

We hope you will enjoy the various articles that are posted to introduce you to the Central Region of France, particularly Le Berry, and that you will consider the wonderful opportunies to Eat, Pray, Love while participating with us, Chef Roland Parny & Elaine Parny, on our culinary tour, A Taste of Le Berry-2011. 

Bon Apetit!

http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/destinations/region/169/Val-de-Loire/514/

I am quite new at learning how to maintain our website and it's accompanying blog.  Hopefully, I will get more photos posted of our recent tour, A Taste of Le Berry - 2010.  Even with that, I thought it would be fun to post a site that I think offers alot of good information to get you acquainted with Le Berry Region in France. 

In our busy, stress-filled lives, it's becoming more and more appealing to have that special time in our lives where we "just do nothing", at least not anything that we HAVE TO DO.  That's really why I love our home in the country so much.  Even in the midst of everything on the "to do list", I have the opportunity to stand still and just listen to the birds or take a little walk in nature to enjoy all the plants that surround our home.  For me, those special moments of quiet and nature are what reenergize "my battery".  When I began to visit Le Berry with Roland, I instantly fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere of the villages and towns. 

Walking is very common in the villages and towns and often you see men and women, of all ages, traveling by bicycle.  The French enjoy being outdoors and it's a natural part of their way of life.  I love the shopping trips whether it's the daily stroll to acquire the fresh bread, the weekly visit to the traveling markets as they come to town, or just an evening out to get fresh air. 

Almost everywhere you look while traveling in France, you will find every inch of space gardened in some fashion.  And, many towns have particular areas, usually close to a stream or river, where they rent or sell garden plots.  There you will find many beautiful private gardens that are lovingly maintained by the residents of that town where they grow beautiful flowers and trees in addition to their vegetable/herb patch that is the source of fresh fruits/vegetables and herbs that make it to their dinning tables.  These gardens are a work of love and part of the quiet "therapy" that is the LeBerry experience. 

As you explore the site I've posted to introduce you to LeBerry, let your imagination take you there, walking the quaint streets, discovering architecture and art that spans Roman to Renaissance France and delighting in the rich culinary history presented in the local cafes and restaurants.  Enjoy!

Bon Apetit!

http://www.central-france.com/indre_department_36.htm

Definately, we all want good food that is good for us!  And now, more than ever, good food seems to be a number one topic in our society.  Magazine articles and television programs seem to be more and more about food.  Farmers' markets and cooking classes are springing up all over the country.  Somehow, it seems, we had a cultural lag where what our parents and grandparents knew all along was ignored and almost forgotten.  Now, anything to do with good food is becoming a national pastime.

Chef Roland is fortunate in that he has worked in the food industry for over forty years.  However, I've ate his Mom's food and, trust me, she would inspire anyone's palate.  He grew up immersed in the rich traditional cuisine of Central France and now, with A Taste of Le Berry Culinary Tour, Chef Roland shares the wonderfully famous wines, cheese, bread and culinary fare of Central France that is "home cooking" for him. 

Recently, Chef Roland participated in a summer Food Camp for 6th grade students at Mississippi State University.  A whole week was spent from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon educating the children not only in the history and production of food but in hands-on instruction where they were responsible for preparing their own meals each day.

On Saturday, the 31st of July, Chef Roland catered Dinner and Dessert Crepes during the Wedding Expo held by Chateau Charmant, a local wedding destination castle located in the Ozarks Region of Missouri. 

With a long career, including a wide variety of culinary experiences, Chef Roland found his passion for culinary instruction while working with Food, Science and Nutrition at Mississippi State University.  Whether working on your Culinary Development, pursuing your Passion For Good Food, or just Looking For Something to Do With Friends, Chef Roland can present a cooking class to meet your needs, in your own home!  

For the Business Entity that is looking for an exciting project to foster Team Development, Chef Roland has a program that gets everyone involved and participating.

Use our contact box to let us know if you've enjoyed an opportunity to work with Chef Roland or if you would like information on programs that are available.

Bon Appetit!