Central Market Passport France Starts Today, Includes Classes from Bruno Davaillon

By Lauren Drewes Daniels Thu., May 10 2012 at 10:02 AM

Categories: Events

Central Market

Never take for granted the greatness of Central Market. In a region that is often criticized for its lack of culinary elegance, CM is our state's playground for the at-home chef. Heck, even the pros love it.

Today begins Passport France at all Central Market locations. Through May 22. wines, cheeses, pastries and all kinds of delicacies from Provence to the Loire Valley will take center stage.

A particular highlight is cooking classes from James Beard-nominated Bruno Davaillon, executive chef at the Rosewood Mansion. He'll be teaching a class on Loire Valley cuisine at the Southlake store on May 15 and at Lovers Lane on May 16. These will absolutely sell out quickly (party tip: great Mother's Day gift).

There are a variety of other classes. including an introduction to traditional French cheeses by Cicile Delannes, ambassadress of the French Cheese Club (yes, there is one). As well as a few with Chef Patrice Olivon, program director of the culinary arts at L'Academie de Cuisine.

Central Market's bakery will offer from-scratch French breads and pastries for the event, which they say their artisan bakers "spent weeks training and reconnecting with their craft," and "Special teams studied in France." For a little online guide to what they're most excited about, they have a French foodie bucket list There are even classes on how to play petanque, which is sort of like a French version of horseshoes.

Of course, the aisles will packed with pushy people pushing carts past demo stations of French favorites throughout the stores. There will be copious amounts goodies of on display and highlighted during the two-week event.

I unabashedly have a crush on Central Market for events like this. Check it out if you can.