1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 324 Professional Gourmet
Ronan was not surprised by Ines's passion for collecting.

Ines is the editor-in-chief of Michelin Magazine Publishing House and a 'big shot' in the Provençal fashion world.

Fashion and art have always coexisted across media, and their mutual influence has become even more pronounced in contemporary times.

Ines often talks about art-related topics at parties, and she is very interested in artworks related to 'beauty'.

To Ronan's surprise, Llorente and Juliet seemed to have grown closer.

If it were just a casual greeting on the street, it wouldn't have taken so long, and Juliet wouldn't have been so bored as to tell Llorente Ines that he had also come to Gold.

But a year earlier, at the first rosé enthusiasts' association meeting Ronan attended in Apte, Juliet and Llorente looked like complete strangers.

Thinking of this, Ronan couldn't help but look up at the person opposite him.

Did Llorente become acquainted with Juliet recently?

Could it be because of the cold wave as well?
The Arnaud family, to which Llorente works, monopolizes part of the Provençal cheese supply chain, and Pascal says that the Arnaud family also owns the largest sheep farm in Provence; they must have suffered the same fate.

It seems that the paths Ronan had considered earlier are feasible.

Juliet may indeed play a key role during the cold wave reconstruction period.

Ronan didn't have much time to think, because Mr. Llorente across from him started ordering.

It's clear he's a regular at this restaurant; he ordered all the signature dishes without even looking at the menu.

After thoughtfully ordering Ronan a rosé, Mr. Llorente asked Ronan:

"How about trying some authentic Bonon cheese?"

Ronan's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he quickly nodded:

"Ok."

France has many kinds of cheese, but Bonham is one of Ronan's least favorites.

During his years living in Paris, he saw on television or in newspapers more than once people saying how delicious this unpasteurized goat cheese was.

He had mustered the courage to try many times, but each time it was a terrible experience.

The Bonon cheese sold in Paris is pale in color, with water droplets on the surface, hard and chewy in texture, bitter in taste, and smells of ammonia.

Ronan has no desire to recall it.

However, since Llorente wanted to eat it, he could only nod.

Seeing that Ronan agreed, Llorente closed the menu and handed it to the waiter:

"Another glass of fresh brandy, please."

Ronan looked over in confusion.

We haven't eaten yet, but we've already ordered the 'Provence Cave'?

Mr. Llorente winked at Ronan:
"This cup is for Bonon cheese."

Soon after, the bonbon cheese wrapped in leaves and the bread served with it were brought to the table.

Llorente wasn't joking; he really did pour the pressed brandy over the cheese wrapped in leaves.

"Authentic Bonon cheese should be eaten in the most authentic way."

“That’s a really unique way to eat it.” Ronan tilted his head. “I only know about cheese with alcohol, I’ve never seen cheese soaked in alcohol before. Is it to bring out some kind of aroma?”

Llorente nodded approvingly:

"That's right, authentic Bonon cheese must be wrapped entirely in chestnut leaves. These leaves contain tannins, which are released immediately when stimulated by brandy or wine, giving the cheese a more layered flavor. It doesn't need to be soaked for too long; it can be eaten right now."

As he spoke, he opened the leaf, gesturing for Ronan to try it.

Ronan, without batting an eye, scooped out a small piece with his knife, smeared it on the fresh baguette, took a small bite, and his eyes immediately lit up.

It was different from what he had eaten in Paris, and he swore it had nothing to do with brandy; even the taste was different.

The cheese, which I remember as hard and tough, became smooth and soft, like an ointment.

"This is the best Bonn cheese I've ever eaten," Ronan objectively commented.

Llorente, holding a baguette in one hand and pointing to the plate of bonnet cheese with the other, said in a professional tone:
"Only the Bonon cheese from Provence is truly delicious in all of France. The Bonon cheese here is between 75 and 85 millimeters in diameter and between 20 and 30 millimeters in thickness. This size is designed to be suitable for two people. Bonon cheese with a shorter aging period is best paired with red wine, while Bonon cheese with a longer aging period is best paired with sweeter wines, such as the rosé wine in your hand."

Ronan raised his rosé and said in an admiring tone:
"It's not that the Bonon cheese from Provence is delicious, it's that the Bonon cheese made by the Arnaud family is delicious."

Ronan had already seen the brand of the cheese before Llorente opened the packaging.

No wonder they can account for 25% of Provence's cheese exports and even monopolize a portion of the cheese category; they're really something else.

Llorente raised his wine glass, smiled, and clinked it against Ronan's, then sprinkled a little pepper and salt on the cheese:
"The cheese we're eating has a shorter aging period, but with a slight change in texture, it'll be perfect for your rosé. Give it a try!"

Ronan sighed silently to himself:
As expected of a man who wants to integrate the culinary resources of the Vaucluse province, he is indeed a professional when it comes to 'eating'.

Ronan lived in Provence for over a year.

I've encountered countless 'foodies', both big and small.

But today, he wholeheartedly agrees that Llorente is a true gourmet.

Compared to Llorente, Freddie seemed like he was just playing house.

Briefly can tell you the history and origin of each dish, and also tell you where in Provence you can eat the most authentic version of it. He can also recommend some dishes to Ronan that seem hard to understand, but taste really good.

Ronan really learned something new today.

This kind of knowledge cannot be acquired through a system. Ronan summarized it as—decades of valuable experience in the culinary world.

"I sincerely hope you'll have the opportunity to visit my restaurant and offer your feedback," Ronan said with great anticipation.

Llorente remained as enthusiastic as ever, but the words he uttered were all too familiar to Ronan:

"I'll definitely go if I have the chance, but I've been too busy lately and haven't been able to find the time."

Ronan understood that this 'opportunity' wouldn't come anytime soon, so he started talking about things that could help him right now:
"I heard the Arno family owns their own ranch. How much of a impact did last month's cold snap have?"

Llorente's complexion visibly worsened:
“The impact is enormous.” Ronan didn’t ask about the specifics of the disaster, instead steer the conversation towards response measures:

"These past few months must have been very busy, right? There must have been a lot of headaches to deal with."

Llorente nodded, slightly annoyed.

"Yes, we need to promote breed improvement, renovate ranches, find new energy upgrade solutions, and learn about the new weather insurance – there's a whole host of things to deal with."

“Weather insurance?” Ronan said with obvious sarcasm. “Does Provence even have weather?”

He loathed the weather system of Provence!
Llorente didn't go into detail, only saying briefly:
"The government has recognized the importance of weather to Provence and believes that passive defense is useless. It should take the initiative to combat disasters and promote the introduction of weather-related insurance."

Ronan shook his head:

"The disaster is over, what's the point of promoting insurance now?"

Llorente waved his hand slightly:

"Of course, their actions were not limited to this one; in short, this disaster mobilized everyone who needed to be mobilized."

Ronan, recalling what Llorente had just said, asked:

"Where did you find those technological upgrades you mentioned? I also have a piece of land and would like to inquire about related issues."

Llorente paused for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject:
"Those aren't my responsibilities. How about this, I'll ask around for you and let you know when I find out. By the way, how did your 'exhibition' go? Did you finally find a venue?"

Ronan knew that Llorente didn't want to answer this question.

This cunning old fox was not as helpful as his other friends.

Of course, it's also possible that Ronan isn't yet qualified to be his friend.

However, Ronan has already found a breakthrough.

He plans to have a serious talk with his good sister, Juliet, soon.

In the afternoon, Ronan and Batty remained in the exhibition hall to promote their knitting.

According to Bati's incomplete statistics, they introduced the temporary 'exhibition area' of the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative in front of the olive oil workshop to at least several hundred tourists that day.

Not every visitor to the exhibition will immediately go there; they have other plans. However, most people said they would try to go before leaving Gold.

In the evening, after a day of soliciting customers, they met with Cafu again.

Cafu told them that they had sold more than 6 francs worth of woven products that day, especially woven lamps, which had not sold very well before; six of them were sold today, and many customers had also asked if they had other kinds of woven products.

"Did customers who wanted other types of woven fabrics leave their contact information?" Ronan asked Cafu.

“Of course!” Cafu said, pointing to his young men. “Even if customers don’t mention wanting other knitted items, the salespeople will try their best to get their contact information. Those who come are potential customers.”

Batistuta said to Ronan and Cafu:
"Once I finish these few days and return to Lourmarin, I will start working on the development of new products. I didn't know I would be selling them here in person. If I had known, I would have made some preparations in advance."

Ronan only came up with this sudden idea a week ago. It's already quite an achievement that he was able to set up the stall so quickly; it's impossible for it to be perfect.

Ronan comforts Cafu:

“Bati is very good at knitting, and I can help her too. She can make anything, so don’t worry.”

Cafu nodded, and said in a more solemn tone:

“Our sales model today has been very successful. Many customers are impressed with the one-on-one service that Ronan has developed. Perhaps we can keep this model and consider opening a physical store in a high-end location.”

"Exx? Marseille? Or Nice?" Barty started to get excited.

Have we grown so big that we need to open stores?
Ronan lowered his head and thought for a moment:
"Don't rush, let's sell out these few days first, and then we can discuss it further."

On the way to Lourmarin in the morning, Ronan, Zoe, and Batty were still nervous about the challenges they might face, and the atmosphere in the car wasn't very lively.

But on the way back, the atmosphere in the car was much more lively.

Ronan and Batty gave Zoe a vivid description of Cafu’s professional and high-quality sales team and the booming scene at the exhibition that day.

Zoe couldn't stop smiling as she listened:

"That's so interesting, I have to go see it for myself tomorrow."

Ronan glanced at her sideways and asked with concern:

How's it going on your end? Is everything going smoothly?

Perhaps due to a lack of hype, the events Zoe participated in were lukewarm at all. Some tourists came to see them, but the visitor numbers couldn't compare to Mr. Rodrigo's exhibition or those at Gold Castle.

However, she met many colleagues and friends here.

The exhibited works have also received bids, so it's been a very successful business.

Zoe cheerfully hummed twice:

"It went very smoothly. Several people who looked like they were of high status came to talk to me today. Near closing time, the curator also came to see me and we chatted for a long time."

She propped her head up and muttered softly in a questioning tone:

"They seem to be paying more attention to me all of a sudden?"

Ronan said with a smile:
"It must be your work that won them over."

“Who knows?” Zoe laughed happily, her silvery laughter filling the carriage. “I’m just happy as long as people come to see my work.”

As it turns out, Zoe laughed too soon.

The next day, her exhibition area suddenly became very popular.

It wasn't just tourists who came; collectors from the industry also showed up.

For some reason, these professionals suddenly became interested in Zoe's work today and came as a group to appreciate it.

Ronan, who went to have lunch with Zoe at noon, was stunned by what he saw.

Zoe's work is already so popular, and the sculpture exhibition opens tomorrow. Can he still help Zoe?
(End of this chapter)