Gentle Gourmet

Gentle Gourmet

Gentle Gourmet

Five-Day Thanksgiving Culinary Retreat (vegan and gluten-free)

2800,00 

A 5-day immersive culinary retreat at Domaine de Brocfontaine, exploring the elegance of a modern Thanksgiving table through refined plant-based and gluten-free cuisine. From wild mushroom gastronomy to artisan gluten-free baking, seasonal fermentation, and candlelit festive dinners — an extraordinary experience for passionate cooks seeking mastery of contemporary vegan gastronomy in the heart of Normandy.

Lodging and dinners are not included.

Description

Vegan & Gluten-Free Gastronomy in Normandy

An immersive five-day culinary experience celebrating the elegance of a modern Thanksgiving table through refined plant-based and gluten-free cuisine.

Hosted at Domaine de Brocfontaine, this intimate retreat combines advanced culinary techniques, seasonal produce from the garden, wild foraging inspiration, artisanal fermentation, natural wine pairings, and beautifully styled festive dining experiences.

Designed for passionate home cooks, culinary professionals, and food lovers seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary vegan gastronomy.

Highlights

  • Daily hands-on culinary workshops
  • Garden-to-table cooking
  • Wild mushroom and woodland-inspired cuisine
  • Advanced plant-based techniques
  • Gluten-free artisan baking
  • Styling and plating workshops
  • Communal candlelit dinners
  • Small groups for personalized instruction

Day One — Autumn Harvest & Foundations

Arrival, welcome aperitif and introduction to seasonal festive cuisine.

Workshop

  • Foundations of elevated plant-based gastronomy
  • Vegetable stock reduction and umami building
  • Fermentation, smoked oils and infused broths
  • Knife skills and plating aesthetics

Menu

  • Roasted Delica pumpkin velouté with hazelnut cream
  • Charred leek tartlet with walnut miso
  • Wild herb salad with cider vinaigrette
  • Gluten-free seeded sourdough

Day Two — Wild Mushroom Gastronomy

A deep exploration of forest flavors and refined textures inspired by Michelin-starred cuisine.

Workshop

  • Wild mushroom preparation and preservation
  • Mushroom consommés and reductions
  • Truffle-infused techniques
  • Textural contrasts in modern plating

Menu

  • Woodland mushroom consommé with black garlic
  • Crispy polenta with maitake and thyme jus
  • Celeriac pavé with roasted chestnuts
  • Pear and rosemary sorbet

Day Three — The Art of the Thanksgiving Table

A contemporary interpretation of the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Workshop

  • Gluten-free cornbread mastery
  • Elevated stuffing with wild mushrooms and herbs
  • Cranberry gastronomy
  • Vegetable roasting and glaze techniques

Signature Dishes

  • Skillet cornbread with cultured herb butter
  • Wild mushroom and chestnut stuffing
  • Maple-glazed root vegetables
  • Smoked cranberry reduction
  • Charred Brussels sprouts with pecan crumble
  • Celebration tart with caramelized apples and bourbon vanilla

Evening

Thanksgiving feast served family-style in the candlelit dining room.


Day Four — Refined Plant-Based Entertaining

Creating luxurious holiday menus and sophisticated festive appetizers.

Workshop

  • Elegant canapé construction
  • Seasonal sauces and emulsions
  • Fine dining plating techniques
  • Natural wine and food pairing

Menu

  • Beetroot tartare with horseradish cream
  • Chicory boats with walnut pâté
  • Smoked carrot “lox”
  • Truffle potato millefeuille
  • Dark chocolate and sea salt crémeux

Day Five — Brunch & Departure

A slow final morning celebrating conviviality and seasonal abundance.

Brunch Workshop

  • Spiced pear compote
  • Buckwheat waffles
  • Cultured coconut yogurt
  • Autumn granola
  • Herbal infusions from the garden

Guests depart with a collection of recipes, fermentation starters, and inspiration for creating unforgettable plant-based holiday tables at home.

 

Not included : dinners and lodging