Saison des Coques

It was a lovely sunny day today at Le Plage du Moulin on the beautiful Brittany coast of Etables-sur-Mer. We had decided to take Scoobeaudoo to the seaside as he loves to swim!  There was an army of people on the beach with little buckets and sand rakes and spades. No one was in swimming despite the sea being warm. The business was strictly cockle hunting as the saison des coques is in full swing. Everyone was at it men women children and grandparents too! There was an air of excitement and bon humeur despite the dedication of all present to extract the last tiny cockle from its sandy bed.

Cockles are a delicious sea food and so easy to cook. All you have to do is wash thoroughly and then in a pan add a little butter and oil. Add sliced onion (Little red Roscoff onions are best) but any decent onion or two along with a few cloves of garlic. Fry gently until tender then add boiling water ( enough to cover the cockles) along with a half litre of dry white wine (I use a Muscadet) along with sea salt and pepper to taste. Gently simmer for no more than five minutes and serve with a sprinkle of chives or parsley and some bread! 

Voilà lunch is served! 

Cooking Course Schedule 2020

Our 2020 cooking schedule is now out. All 6 day cooking courses cost Euro 1450 per adult (child rate 15-18 year old rate is Euro 750). Courses start on Sunday with check in and evening meal included. Accommodation is available on request and includes B&B at the school from Euro 350 for 6 nights (own bedroom with bathroom) or a selection of local gites (from Euro 350 to 550). Courses finish after breakfast on Saturday morning. Lifts to and from the local rail station of Lamballe are also available. W recommend car hire for those who drive so that you can explore the many extraordinary sights around us.

New Year Special Cooking Course *

28 December 2019 - 3 January 2020  This unique New Year Course has extra goodies including a special champagne banquet and New Year's Dinner. The cost is Euro 1995 per person. Black tie Dinner.

2020 Schedule:

1 to 7 March
15 to 21 March
29  March 4 April
12 to 18 April
26 April 2 May
17 to 23 May
31 May 6 June
14 to 20 June
28 June 4 July
12 to 18 July
26 July 1 August
9 to 15 August
23 to 29 August
6 to 12 September
20 to 26 September
4 to 10 October
18 to 24 October
1 to 7 November
15 to 21 November


* 29 December 3 January 2021 (New Year Special)

 
Please note:
We can arrange private cooking classes outside of these dates on request.
Please note that class sizes are kept to a maximum number of ten so that everyone gains direct hands on experience of cooking with our Michelin trained chef.
All classes are of five days duration inclusive of lunch and dinner each day at the school except lunch Thursday (market day).
All classes are in English. We also speak French, German, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian!
 Non participant guests may attend for lunch and dinner by arrangement.
There is a break each day following lunch and before dinner allowing students time to relax or explore the local area (normally between 2.30pm and 6.00pm). Bring comfortable walking shoes!
This is a famous cycling area. Electric Bicycles are available to hire (20 Euros per week) on request. Ask about our selected cycle routes.
Menus change regularly to reflect the local food markets and seasons.
Students should advise us in advance of any special needs or food allergies.
We recommend all visitors to France to take out full travel insurance for their trip.