The dollar may be sinking and the cost of a trip to France may be skyrocketing, but you can get a taste of French cheeses closer to home at Formagio Essex’s latest offering–which takes you on a culinary excursion to the court of Louis XIV. While you’re at it, learn about cheesemonger Max’s culinary tours to France.

Cheeses at the Court of Louis XIV

In the 17th-century, the French developed not only Haute Cuisine but they also invented many aspects of modern cooking. Salt and pepper became basic “table spices,” Saint Nectaire, Cantal and Roquefort were the “foodie” cheeses of choice and the first Champagne was made by Dom Perignon.

This new French cooking emphasized sensual motifs and called for a complete surrender to the body’s desires at table. In fact, cooks intentionally used salt in different parts of each meal in order to bait and seduce the appetite. Maximillian Shrem of Fromaggio Essex will discuss the different characters at the court while serving champagne & cheese and listening to Baroque music.

This also class celebrates the beginning of Repast , a tour company that Max has started. Repast provides academic tours combining food and history. The primary focus is France . While managing Formaggio Essex, Max yearned to share his knowledge about various foods by taking people back to the source. Repast creates adventures back in time to discover when certain foods were first eaten and how. By concentrating on France, Repast explores the developments of Haute Cuisine, restaurants, cafés, and more. Each tour explores French culinary traditions during a specific time period. For example, in May 2008, Repast will launch its tour of 17 th-century French cuisine: Food at the Court of Louis XIV. To find out more information email Max at http://us.f542.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=mbshrem@gmail.com.

Monday, August 6th
6:00 PM . $35 includes baiting, seducing and OF COURSE harpsichord!
To Sign up call Casellula at 212-247-8137

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