1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 123 French Xiaohe

Chapter 123 French Sayuri

The last time Ronan went to Bonnieux to introduce Chinese vinegar to Mr. Jacques, he learned through casual conversation that the venue of the 'Vaucluse Pink Wine Association' is different every time they meet.

It could be in a restaurant or cafe outside, or it could be in someone's home, depending on whether the participants have any requests or suggestions.

Aside from not having enough chairs, Ronan felt his home had everything he needed to host a party.

There is a kitchen and dining area that is more beautiful than the sample pictures in the magazine, a bathroom that can be described as "gorgeous" in Provence, and a beautiful view of Luberon outside the window.
In that case, why not hold it at his house?

Either don't do it, or do the highest level!

"Hello, Ines, have you decided on the location for the next party? If not, you can come to my house. I will treat you to an authentic Chinese meal, and the combination of it and rosé wine will definitely surprise you."

Ronan's call reminded President Ines that it was time to organize a new gathering.

"I'm very happy that you can invite us to your home. Parties held at home are always more comfortable and memorable. I will contact the members as soon as possible and notify you as soon as the date is confirmed."

After inviting Ines, Ronan entered into intensive preparations.

Whether Chinese cuisine can develop and have a future in Provence depends on its performance this time.

Ronan resolutely decided to treat the incoming friends with hot pot.

One reason is that it saves trouble.

Secondly, it is the safest choice. Even if the locals don't like the taste of the soup base and dipping sauce, you can boil it in water and sprinkle some of their favorite black pepper, olive oil and salt on it to make it into a 'salad' which will taste good and is in line with the 'light' taste of the French, which Ronan has verified.

Third, since hotpot is a very classic Chinese delicacy, it is very necessary to give these well-informed "social elites" a good first impression.

He first asked his father in Paris for some hot pot soup bases. Clear soup was definitely needed, but he also needed some more classic features.

Luo Tianhai, who used to be a Sichuan chef, first gave Ronan the recipe for the red oil hot pot base. Although the taste was a bit too "strong" for the French, he knew his son would definitely improve it.

The second soup base he recommended gave Ronan endless reverie:

"There are many kinds of hot pot soup bases in China, and each place has its own characteristics, but there is one that I think the French will be very receptive to, and that is mushroom soup. There is no doubt that the French love mushrooms. I guess they will like to dip vegetables in rich mushroom soup even if they don't dip anything else."

"So which mushrooms should be used to make the soup base?" Ronan and his father had a heated discussion.

For professional matters, you need to find professionals.
Ronan thought this was a very good choice, which he had never thought of beforehand.

“Mushrooms are eaten for their ‘freshness’. Choose the most delicious local mushrooms. Remember to boil them for enough time, otherwise you will get poisoned.” Luo Tianhai gave his advice.

Ronan didn't know much about local mushrooms. He rarely ate them and never paid attention to them, so he went to the old tavern to ask Pierre for advice.

"Mushrooms? They grow in the mountains just like truffles. How could a truffle hunter like you need to ask me for advice?" Pierre looked Ronan up and down, finding it incredible.

"Of course I know that mushrooms grow in the mountains. What I want to ask is which mushrooms grow best and most delicious in the mountains of Luberon." Ronan added, "Except for truffles."

Pierre understood what Ronan meant:
"Porcini mushrooms come out in May and can be eaten until October. Other mushrooms, such as portobello mushrooms and chanterelles, are available all year round. If you want to pick them, you can pick a whole bag in a morning."

The ones Pierre mentioned are all well-known and can be found in Paris, so Ronan continued to ask:

"Isn't it special? It's only available in Luberon and is more delicious than other mushrooms."

Pierre advised:

"Yes, there are, but mushrooms don't fetch much money. You might as well do something else instead of looking for rare goods in the mountains."

Ronan smiled and said:
“I want to try the specialty mushrooms of Provence, not to sell them for money.”

"I see..." Pierre took a sip of wine and thought for a while. "Speaking of the specialty mushrooms of Luberon, it must be the 'French lily'. It is more delicious than porcini. Some people say it is the 'Baroque mushroom' that has been extinct for hundreds of years. But now the 'French lily' is also difficult to find. It may be harder to find than truffles."

Everything that can be called "Baroque" was loved by the nobles during the papal period hundreds of years ago.

Ronan had never heard of "Baroque Mushroom", but he believed that this mushroom must be extremely delicious, and the name seemed to have a more ancient origin than truffles.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the 'Baroque Mushroom' is no longer available. So what is the origin of this 'French Lily'?

"The name of this mushroom is 'French Lily'?" Ronan asked curiously.

Pierre spread his hands:
"Yes, people don't know its scientific name, but it can only be found in Provence because it looks like a lily bud about to bloom, hence the name."

Ronan continued to ask:
“Are there any other characteristics of its appearance?”

Pierre took a sip of his wine:

"It's light brown in color and looks like a lily. To be honest, I've never seen it, but I've heard people mention it."

"Then do you know where to find them?" Ronan frowned.

Pierre spread his hands and said:

"It's harder to find than truffles. I advise you not to waste your time on it. Porcini are also pretty good."

"But porcini mushrooms are not as delicious as French lilies, right?" Ronan patted Pierre's shoulder. "Thanks, buddy. Come to my house and taste the French lilies when the time comes."

Pierre looked at Ronan's departing back and muttered:
"Why the hell is he so sure he can get the French lily?"

Pierre gave a very general description of the 'French Lily', saying it was light brown in colour and looked like a lily.

Ronan could probably find a dozen or so species of these mushrooms in the mountains.

There is a principle for picking truffles after all, they grow under broad-leaved forests.

Ronan had no idea where the "French Lily" would appear. It was as difficult as climbing to the sky to find a tiny mushroom in the vast Luberon.

However, just because Ronan couldn't find 'French Lily' didn't mean the system couldn't find it either.

Before the Labor Day holiday, the happiness level in the system was over 700.

For the past half month, I ate well, slept well, daydreamed, drank, went for a run with the dog, and occasionally had Zoe touch my chin, which saved up a few hundred points. I had already accumulated enough experience to upgrade [Gathering] to level 3.

Ronan had decided before that [Gathering] would be the main skill to be upgraded in the second half of this year. In that case, he could upgrade it first in order to find 'French Lily'.

As you click upgrade, the system page changes immediately.

[Level 3 Construction: 0\2000]

[Level 2 Planting: 0\500]

[Level 3 Collection: 0\2000]

[Level 3 Cooking: 0\2000]

[Level 1 Fishing: 0\100]

[Level 1 Hunting: 0\100]

[Level 1 Brewing: 0\100]

[Usable experience: 631]

Along with this comes a lot of extra knowledge in the head.

Ronan immediately showed joy after digesting and absorbing all the new knowledge.

The goodies brought by this upgrade were beyond his imagination!