Kitchen Fever
It’s here in the kitchens of Chantilly that one of the most famous episodes of French culinary history took place. When in 1671 Louis XV, the great Sun King, announced he was coming to stay, the Chateau staff set about helping to make his visit memorable. For the Chef in charge of the kitchens, one Francois Vatel, this meant ensuring perfection with the luscious banquets that were planned. Alas, Vatel took it so seriously that when the fresh fish he had ordered looked like it would be late arriving and not be ready in time for the feast, the exhausted chef committed suicide, unaware that the fish arrived shortly afterwards. The party went on and the dinner was a huge success.
Chantilly Cream
Yes, the famous vanilla scented cream takes its name from this chateau and of course, every opportunity is taken to serve it with desert at the castle restaurants! When I visited, the chefs were demonstrating the technique in the restaurant, courtesy of a tour group who had paid extra for the pleasure of seeing it made at the chanteau.
Read about the history of Chantilly cream and a simple authentic recipe…
Enjoy lunch or a snack stop in the castle restaurant, located in what used to be Vatel’s kitchens, or on the magnificent courtyard outside on a fine day.
In the town of Chantilly you'll find the boulangeries and patisseries are full of amazing cakes, many of them laced with Chantilly cream...