"We need to do something to say goodbye to Géry and Marie", I said to David one day in February. He agreed as we both wanted to celebrate two people who had made our lives in La Rochelle so much fun. David knows these throw-away comments can be dangerous to his peaceful life so he murmured quietly and I continued to think about what we could do. As we have met many of their friends, the idea began to germinate into some sort of party. They have lots of friends so perhaps a kind of cocktail party? Or an afternoon tea party? And then, somehow it became lunch for 12 people. Now you must understand that lunch in France is NOT a sandwich, a salad or a burger. Lunch in France is a proper meal and when you are celebrating it is LUNCH. There is something about feeding the French that inspires one's nerves to tense! This country, with its reputation for excellent food and attention to detail, can reduce you to a puddle of anxiety if you contemplate what you are about to do! And this one was important. We wanted to make it very special. To soothe ourselves, we began to plan and make lists. First off, the menu. It would have to include the requisite 5-6 courses so would we be able to find enough dishes and cutlery? Then, how to seat 12 people? Definitely no buffet style meals here. And finally, how to make the day seem festive and fun?
The menu gradually developed. We decided to have a mixture of French, Béninois and Canadian food. Because the Marchant's friends are generous, like them, various people offered to bring parts of the meal. So here is what we ate:
The amuse-gueules were the appetizers: smoked salmon, sweet potato pancakes, nuts and olives. Sweet potato pancakes are Béninois. Sweet potatoes are a new addition to French grocery stores. Often the check-out clerks ask us what it is. No one had ever eaten them when we made Thanksgiving dinner. In the end, the smoked salmon was the only Canadian item on the menu. I had planned to make Butter Tarts but the abundance of desserts made them de trop. We had two apple tarts, one pear and apple crumble and a strawberry pie.Then, imagine, that in this rented apartment we actually have a dinner service for 12!! Of course, there had to be a bit of juggling and washing of plates to accommodate the number of courses. But we only had to use paper plates for the cheese. We even had enough chairs! David made lovely place cards with the emblem of a Béninois king on each one. Then to add to our stress, I decided we should propose a toast—in French. As a result, we went about the house for a few days muttering our lines!
We bought balloons, a frieze of parrots, photocopied French, Bénin and Canadian flags. Two friends, Pascale and Guy arrived early to help with the decorations and setting the tables and wonder of wonders, it all came together.
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And what a wonderful afternoon it was. Friends came from Nîmes, Nantes and Cholet as well as La Rochelle. At the last minute, one guest asked to bring her sister so we ended up with 13. Thank goodness for Guy and Pascale who brought extra place settings and told us that while French superstition sees 13 as bad luck, it can also be a good luck charm. They also suggested that a 14th place is often set where no one sits but is supposed to be given to the poor. We felt that was challenging our limits of space and equipment so decided to go for the good luck charm story. As is typical here, our lunch began at 12:30 and ended around 5:30.
There was lots of talking and laughter; everyone helped and dear Pascale and Guy stayed for another hour to clean up. Best of all, Marie and Géry were touched by the warmth and celebration.
During the afternoon, a new plan was conceived: New Year's Eve 2011 in Kandi, Bénin and in 2012 in Toronto, Canada. I have already begun to plan as you all know what Le Réveillon is like in France (see New Year's Eve in La Rochelle)!! Start practising your dancing! I will begin to lay in a supply of foie gras!
