Monday, May 16, 2016

Pentecost.


Pentecost. A national holiday in much of Europe.The road leading up to the German billionaires chateau lined with large and very shiny Maybachs. A white long wheelbase Land Rover, of the type used by explorers, parked incongruously amongst them. 


Conforming to national stereotypes the billionaires guests are early risers. The sound of breakfast conversation drifts down the hill towards us as the PONs set off on their morning walk. Breakfast merriment, in whatever language, has a contrived sound to it. This breakfast is apparently no exception.

Bob and Sophie listen with rapt attention to mobile phones trilling and then being answered. Most phones have standard ring tones. One of them plays Ride of the Valkyries. Could it belong to the man in the Land Rover ? As we pass the chateau Bob diligently christens the tyres of two large limousines. 


Off to the greengrocers. The white asparagus looks as if it's been on steroids. The stems thicker than carrots. They look less than tender .


The wild asparagus is back. This time labeled as asperges des bois. Madame Bay, ever the expert, says it should be steamed lightly and added to scrambled egg or risotto.


And here is a little video on how to find wild asparagus : 


10 comments:

Coppa's girl said...

Bob, don't forget to christen some more tyres next time you go past the billionaires' Chateau.

Anonymous said...

I've never acquired the taste for white asparagus, but I do like the idea of foraging for the wild variety.
I love Bob's Elvis impression in picture 1!
Have a great day.
x

Taste of France said...

Totally hysterical! I can picture the scene vividly.

Emm said...

I'm such a country mouse I had to look up "Maybachs".
That first picture of Bob reminds me of the Olympic athlete who was caught making such a face at the medals ceremony. And then later, President Obama mirrored her in an Oval Office visit.

WFT Nobby said...

Those oversized asparagus stalks do look distinctly woody.

Kari said...

Peeled, they'll be delicious. I especially love to see your photos because asparagus is a distinct favourite of mine. Quite a lesson I'm learning too. When I searched ornithogales (sp) I found they are quite rare and asparagus like , not a true asparagus. Did you buy then, were they good?

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We think a quiet good morning followed by a favourite brew is the way to ease into the morning. Can't imagine phones being a good start to the day.

Louise said...

The owner of the white land rover and possible ting tone might be a
she. I'm being very stereotypical myself, however, when it comes to my vision of her...

Catching up, the contractor cannot be named Bozo!

Angus said...

You are quite right the Land Rover owner might be a she.
The Bozo family have along and undistinguished history of conducting excavations at The Rickety Old Farmhouse.

Angus said...

Yes, two bunches were bought. They were delicate and had a slightly sea watery taste.