Product Description

Returning to his challenging home in the Languedoc, Patrick Moon could easily fill the days, protecting infant vines from marauding wild boar and hiding baby truffle oaks from unscrupulous neighbours. The local campsite cafe is, however, now an ambitious new restaurant. The determination of its talented young chef to achieve perfection on a shoestring is intriguing, and Patrick soon finds himself behind the swing doors, sharing in the triumphs, disasters and sheer hard work of life in a serious kitchen. A wider exploration of the region's finest produce for the table distracts him further. From season to season, Patrick's quest uncovers the secrets of olive oil and salt production, the mysteries of Ricard and the Roquefort caves, the miracle of the sparkling Perrier spring. From mighty household names to eccentric peasant smallholdings, his expeditions encompass an extraordinary cast of characters and a rich vein of humour. But always there are the melons and olives and aubergines demanding attention at home.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #389490 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 282 pages

The Times, May 21, 2005
'cleverly combines the slog of Hell's Kitchen with all the familiar, friendly elements of foreign fantasy'

About the Author
Patrick Moon, a former London lawyer, now spends every possible moment in his Languedoc home. Paul Levy described his first book, Virgile's Vineyard - about the region's wine-makers - as 'humane, funny and quirky'.

Customer Reviews

Loved this book
I enjoyed Patrick Moon's first book, Virgile's Vineyard, about his efforts to learn about winemaking in the Languedoc after being left a property by his uncle.
This book takes the (true) story a stage further, as Patrick returns to the Languedoc to explore the region further and use his winemaking contacts as an in to some of the region's top restaurants.
On the way, he finds out more about indigenous food production, such as the wonderfully-named Pascal Poot and his Conservatoire des Tomates high in the hills.
If you love France, food and wine, this is a glorious soap opera about life in a beautiful part of the country. I'm amazed it and its predecessor haven't been snapped up for a TV series yet.
I've read both books during holidays in France and loved being able to go out the next day and find wines and cheeses, etc, that had been mentioned in the text.
Bon Appetit!