Sasha Hazael has been a cook and food stylist for food photography within the Advertising and Publishing industry for fifteen years and has gained a vast knowledge of different styles and cultures of cuisine. She offers a variety of courses, all of which are ‘hands on’ lessons, not just demonstrations on cooking techniques. She guides her students through the practical skills involved in preparation, right through to the presentation of the finished dish.
The subjects range from the always popular course based on the regional gourmet cuisine that has exciting and stimulating influences from Spain, Africa and the Far East, using local fresh fish, cheese, vegetables and meat. Others courses include ‘Fusion’ and ‘Oriental’ recipes but last season the course most in demand was titled, ‘Exciting Dinner Party Recipes’.
Many guests return home with an ability to entertain their friends with confidence using delicious and innovative recipes that Sasha showed were far simpler to create than one would imagine. She specialises in the art of presentation and principles of cordon-bleu cuisine but takes the mystique away, and makes it possible for anybody to succeed with the help of right ingredients, ‘know-how’ and passion. A new program started in 2008 that has proved very popular is being extended for 2009.
This is designed for people less interested with being in the kitchen all day and who want a uniquely 'French' experience. With Sasha's contacts in the Markets we can arrange visits to: a traditional local butcher for a talk about his trade, a local boulangerie for 'hands-on' experience making croissants, a producer of beautiful goats cheese to see the whole process from milking to making the cheese, one of the foremost Fish auctions where 'Poissinières even come from Spain and Italy to buy the fresh fish you will see brought off the boats, and finally, an Oyster farmer who shows you the whole process of that unusual world and you get to taste of the best Mediterranean Oysters ever.
The course also includes visits to local food markets to experience the range of fresh local delicacies available and, as was popular last season, a combination of wine tasting and vineyard tours can be enjoyed which helps pupils appreciate the perfect Gourmet Dining Experience.
Faculty Information:
Sasha Hazael has been a cook and food stylist for food photography within the Advertising and Publishing industry for fifteen years and has gained a vast knowledge of different styles and cultures of cuisine.
Other Activities:
Nearby activities include tennis courts, riding stables (at the rear of the château) and several good golf courses within 30 minutes drive, Canal boating is available within 10 minutes drive, bicycles can be delivered to the door for hire and canoeing/kayaking is great fun and popular every year with families or groups. All these can be arranged from the Chateau. There it is a fabulous region for walking, cycling (all levels) or driving, and the landscapes are truly beautiful; it is ‘big country’ with stunning landscapes.
The Languedoc boasts the largest concentration of vineyards in the World and tailor-made Wine Tours are organised by the owners. These visit a carefully chosen selection of Vignerons who are producing some the most amazing wines in France with the opportunity to sample them.
There are also fascinating monuments of history to be experienced, from the occupation by the Romans with architectural wonders such as ‘Le Pont Du Gard’ and the Coliseum in Arles, through to the Middle Ages with Carcassonne Castle and the Cathar Castles in Southern Corbières, right up to the recently constructed Millau Bridge designed by Sir Norman Foster.
Facility Information:
The owners Tim and Sasha Hazael create a relaxed, ’home from home’ atmosphere whatever the occasion and provide accommodation for up to approximately 42 people. There are 5 guest bedrooms within the Chateau itself, all furnished to an excellent standard and offering a true ‘taste of France’. In addition there is a 2-beroom suite adjoining the Chateau, a further 4 Cottages and a one bedroom suite all of which can be either used for self-catering holidays or, as additional accommodation for large groups.
Chateau du Puits Es Pratx is surrounded by vineyards in the picturesque countryside of the department of the Aude, an area within the Minervois wine region of Languedoc. It is located close to the World heritage site of the ‘Le Canal Du Midi’ and between the sandy Mediterranean beaches to the south and the awesome mountains of L’Espinouse in the North. It is 45 minutes from Carcassonne airport which is 90 minutes from the UK. There are 5 other international airports within easy driving distance.
The Chateau is situated on the edge of a village called Ginestas, 20 minutes North of Narbonne and amenities include a general store, a bank (with ATM), a boulangerie, post office, bar and poodle parlour! Narbonne is well worth exploring, a charming town with an amazing covered food market and cathedral. Montpellier is 80 minutes drive away, Barcelona only 2.5 hours.
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