THERE is less than a week left to make a booking for a cookery course with a difference - with Manx ingredients being used by a top class French chef in the Alps in a chalet run by a Manx couple!
The next ManxSki residential cookery course takes place from October 16 to 20 and there are still a few places left to enjoy five days with hosts Chris and Vanessa Callow and Hervé Willems, a French chef with extensive experience in Paris, the Loire Valley, Germany, London and Scotland, including operating his own restaurants.
He is currently a consultant private chef and trainer and will focus his course on classic French cooking including some local Savoyard specialities, incorporating Manx produce alongside ingredients from the local market.
Chris Callow is an accomplished chef himself and was one of the finalists in last year’s “I Love Manx Chef” competition at the Isle of Man Food Festival where he was judged by TV chef Gino D’Acampo, finishing runner up.
It’s Chris and Vanessa’s fifth season in the French Alps Grand Massif, running a business which has all the features of a top notch luxury chalet including swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, log fires, skiing a few minutes away and fantastic alpine scenery in a peaceful setting.
Chris and Vanessa feel skills learned in their previous lives as Manx Advocate and Head of Secondary PE have been key in the success of the venture, and are particularly pleased at the high level of clients returning year on year.
The 5-night experience is open to eight cookery students and is ideally suited to the competent home cook looking to expand his/her repertoire. The undemanding tuition is combined with a gentle introduction to the produce, wines and specialities of this lovely corner of France, with ample time to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
The course also offers plenty of free time for students to explore the region and to bring partners who may not be interested in the cookery course but would love to spend time in the Alps.
Chris added, “We are encouraging non-participating partners to come along to enjoy the meals produced each day. There is a wealth of activities to keep partners busy from balloon trips to white-water rafting, or he/she may simply to choose to doze on the terrace, well-chilled bottle to hand...”
The price includes:
• 5 nights full-board accommodation sharing a twin/double luxury private suite
• transfers from and to Geneva Airport (1 hour’s travel)
• course tuition, recipe folder and apron
Course prices:
Full course £630.00
Non-participating partner £420.00
This year's ski season from Chalet Plein Air runs from December 17 2011 to April 14 2012. Prices for a seven night stay start from 590 euros. Packages include breakfast and afternoon tea daily, a 4-course evening meal including wine on six days, transport to and from the slopes, wi-fi internet access, linen, towels and bathrobes.
chris@manxski.com
www.manxski.com
