Arrazat's Aubergines: Inside a Languedoc Kitchen

by Patrick Moon

In the sequel to Virgile’s Vineyard, Patrick Moon explores the world of
Languedoc food and cuisine.

Returning to his challenging home in southern France, Patrick could easily fill the days protecting infant vines from marauding wild boar and hiding baby truffle oaks from unscrupulous neighbours. However, the local campsite café has just been transformed into an ambitious new restaurant and he is intrigued by the talented young chef’s determination to achieve perfection on a shoestring.

Patrick soon finds himself pitching in, sleeves rolled up, to spend a year 'backstage' and share the triumphs, disasters and sheer hard work in a small but serious French restaurant kitchen. But will the VIP diners guess that he has never made mayonnaise before? Or that he put the wrong sauce on the starter?

Not content with all this, Patrick also embarks on a wider exploration of the Languedoc’s finest produce for the table, from mighty household names to eccentric peasant smallholdings. Throughout the seasons, his quest uncovers the secrets of olive oil and salt production, the mysteries of Ricard and the Roquefort caves, and the miracle of the sparkling Perrier spring. He even finds time to visit some of the region’s top chefs for more 'behind the scenes' discoveries.

But there are always the vines and olives, not to mention aubergines, demanding attention at home…

First published in 2005, Arrazat’s Aubergines, Patrick’s second book, is a great stand-alone read for any Francophile, food-lover or armchair chef, deploying a colourful cast of entertaining characters and a rich vein of humour to deliver a wealth of fascinating information. For fans of its predecessor, Virgile’s Vineyard, it also continues the story of many favourite figures, including Virgile himself.

Genres: France, Food

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from Virgile's Vineyard, Patrick is back in the Languedoc but on a more permanent basis and it is the food that piques his interest this time. Many of the people we met in book one are back, enriching and hindering Patrick’s life, but also encouraging his love of food. Neighbour Manu and his wife persuade him to dig a large potager and fill it with their favourite vegetables. Winemaker Virgile takes him to lunch at Laurent Arrazat’s new restaurant where he finds himself invited to follow behind the scenes and learn about food from a master chef. As well as trying his best to keep up and help out during busy services, Patrick also makes many other foodie visits during the year to meet cheese makers, snail farmers, honey producers, salt masters, oyster farmers and more. This book often made me hungry and despite the privilege of learning what goes on in a French restaurant kitchen it was the visits to the local producers I enjoyed the most and it has made me more determined to get out and explore my local producers.

The antics of his neighbours, as in book one, regularly made me chuckle and having read these two books back to back I’m going to miss the daily goings on of Manu and Patrick.

This book has recently been updated and re-released and would be ideal for those who love life in France memoirs, plus those with an interest in French wine and the food of the Languedoc. But be warned, it will make you hungry and want to visit the area.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very immersive and beautifully-written. It makes me want to move to France and follow in Moon's steps!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book -- it follows the author on his adventures through southern France, visiting all of those artisans who create French food. It covers everything from Perrier water to how to cure olives to how the French sea-salt, fleur de sel, is harvested. Fascinating book for French culture buffs and for foodies. I happen to be both.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of one of my favorite genres, the Brit (American, Australian, etc.) living in rural France and exploring French food--from growing it, harvesting it, processing it, preparing it in restaurants, to actually eating it. This book includes a couple of kooky French characters and interesting trips to cheese makers, snail farms, salt collection facilities, winemakers, etc., etc. A fun read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read a year in Provence, but assume it's the same sort of think. Escapist life in France, lots of great foodie related stuff and a cast of fun characters..

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read about food and life in the south of France - made ideal holiday reading.