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You are invited!

Have you responded to your invitation yet? Well if not, let me set the “table” for you.

You’ve been asked to attend a French gastronomic meal. It’s an old custom that occurs during a festive event that’s meant to bring together family members and old friends. It’s a very formal affair so please wear your finest formal dining attire. Even the table is set with the best crystal glasses, elegant dishes and silver wear, and remember to be on your best behavior!

However, first things first! You must enjoy an aperitif to get your stomach ready for what’s to follow. The aperitif is meant to open your stomach, and allow it to fully accept and enjoy the following culinary delights. “Gosh, what’s a satisfying aperitif?” you ask.

Luckily, you have a number of choices. You could opt for a Chardonnay — a nice buttery wine to prepare you for the dinner, or you could ask for a Lillet Blanc. The light sweetness of this wine will make you feel so ready to chow down. But, if you want a bit of a liquid that has more bite to it, try a little glass of Campari. Yes, Campari is called a bitter, and it can be exactly that. Now, let’s not forget this aperitif is to open our tummies for the main dishes of the meal. Ask for that Campari. Watch as it’s poured into your glass, enjoy the nice red color, and then sip the pleasing dry liqueur.

OK, you’ve sipped, viewed and chatted over your aperitif. Now, here comes the main meal.

Typically, the meal provides three main courses of food. Based on your preference, you’ll be served either fish or meat. This is not a meal to be thrown down quickly so follow your parent’s advice and chew each mouth full of food for about 20 times. Savor the meal!

Following the first course, you’ll have a plate containing at least three different cheeses placed before you. Don”t forget that you are enjoying wine with the main courses, too. Wouldn’t a nice Chenin Blanc taste good with everything? Or let’s go red with a Pinot Noir. How about luxuriating with a Crémant? I really don’t think you can go wrong with a pleasing French wine when mating it with a gastronomic meal.

Now, it’s time for your dessert. I would fully recommend crème brûlée. This creamy and sweet dish is the most popular dessert in France, and for good reason. I advise you only have one piece — remember you must maintain your proper etiquette at this formal setting.

Ah, dinner is done. As you rise from the dinner table and amble into the living room, you seek the most comfortable chair in the room. You settle into it, but notice your stomach is, ah, well, kind of rumbling. What to do about that?

Now it’s time for the digestive. Basically, a digestive is to help your stuffed stomach settle down and help you relax. How does one reach that region of relaxation? Glad you asked…

Remember this little glass of pleasure is meant to ‘aid’ your digestion. Have the waiter pour you a glass of Port and smile as the gentleness of the liquid settles your stomach. Hey! How about a Limoncello? Yes, it’s totally made from lemons and is Italian based, but don’t let that fool you. It’s slightly sweet/lemony flavor is so comforting. Another nice ending wine before the coffee is served would be a pleasant cream sherry.

Now, it’s coffee time. The night has been so enjoyable with outstanding conversations, lots of laughter and good food and wines. Again, if you haven’t responded to your invitation yet, it’s in…ah…the mail!

Bon Appétit!

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!

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