1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 422 Is this a restaurant or a museum?
Ronan attached great importance to Llorente's visit.

Hopefully, when Llorente talks to others about the food and restaurants of Provence, he will occasionally mention his restaurant, talking about the dishes, the desserts, or the ambiance. Whatever he talks about, it's a form of affirmation.

Unfortunately, Llorente treated Ronan more as an artist than a restaurant owner.

The two guests did not look at the menu and politely asked Ronan to make the arrangements.

As soon as Ronan finished arranging the meal, Llorente immediately got down to business.

“Bernard, as a collector, also participated in Gold’s series of events in February, and he was very impressed with your artistic style.” Llorente diligently introduced the two parties, who were meeting for the first time, to help them get to know each other as quickly as possible.

Bernard smiled and said to Ronan:

“In fact, we also wanted to participate in the auction for the ‘Lovebird’, but Curator Normand contacted us in advance, hoping that we would withdraw from the competition.”

Ronan keenly noticed that Bernard used "we" instead of "I," which further solidified his judgment—Bernard was a member of the Paris New Winegrowers, who participated in the February Gold Land Art series of events as part of the "New Era Winery Alliance."

“There will definitely be more opportunities in the future,” Ronan said politely.

“The opportunity is coming soon,” Llorente explained to Ronan with a smile. “Provence hosts many food-related events between April and September, and Bernard happens to be interested in the first Provence Dessert Competition. Why not take this opportunity to collaborate?”

Oh, so they wanted to use me to get sponsorships. Ronan thought to himself.

In the 80s, when information was not readily available, local wineries were the most important sponsors of various large-scale events.

They are present in artistic and cultural events, and even international events like the Nice Carnival are sponsored by wine merchants.

Bernard said with a smile:
"Our dry white wine has a unique nutty aroma, making it perfect for pairing with desserts, especially 'premium' desserts."

Llorente, as if on cue, 'translated' for Ronan:

"You are not only the most promising new artist in Provence this year, but also a synonym for desserts. Many people associate your name with the desserts 'Lovebird' and 'Hope.' If you could participate in this event—"

Llorente suddenly looked at Bernard, whose face was full of sincerity:
“If you can attend the event, Bernard is willing to pay some fees for it.”

"You're the organizing committee, but the appearance fee is paid by the sponsors," Llorente Ronan thought to himself, ever the shrewd one.

Ronan knew the saying "he who takes a man's money is bound to him," and having taken the appearance fee, he might have to cooperate with Bernard for whatever he wanted.

Moreover, taking money to do things would be contrary to his identity as an artist. He originally wanted to promote the restaurant through food events, and he would definitely go if it was appropriate, even if he wasn't paid.

"Is this a competition?"

The organizer, Llorente, explained to Ronan:

"The dessert competition is different from other events. Although it's called a 'competition,' the competitive aspect isn't strong. It's a grand event organized to help Aix-en-Provence establish itself as a 'dessert capital.' The Provence Food Association will invite elites from various fields, including the culinary, artistic, and cultural industries, to participate. It's estimated that the event will attract more than 35 visitors. You don't need to worry that it will be incompatible with your identity as an artist. This event will only help you make more friends and strengthen your influence in Provence."

It turns out this was an event organized to help Aix build itself into a 'dessert country'. Llorente's interests are really wide-ranging," Ronan couldn't help but mutter to himself.

"Are you participating in your personal capacity or on behalf of the restaurant? How many people do you plan to invite?" Ronan continued to ask.

Llorente smiled confidently:
"The reason I waited so long to come see you is because I wanted to invite you all at once, Ronan. In the past month, the Provence Food Alliance has invited more than 50 restaurants and individuals, all of whom are the best in the Provence food scene. But don't worry, I can guarantee that you will be the most 'shine' at the event."

Ronan paused, seemingly thinking, before continuing to ask:
What are the specific forms of participation?

Llorente countered Ronan's question:
"Do you remember last year's bread competition?"

“Of course I remember.” Ronan smiled. “The first time I met you was at the bread competition in Mena village.”

Llorente nodded:

"The dessert competition only has the 'showcase' part after the bread competition, where each unit showcases its best single product on-site. You can taste it or sell it directly. There is no judges' selection part at the beginning. The so-called 'competition' is just the audience who tasted it choosing their top few favorites."

Ronan's face lit up with joy:
"Could we have a small exhibition area on site?"

During last year's bread competition, Ronan and Zoe went to the event and tasted many kinds of bread. He was immediately drawn to several of them, which shows that the conversion rate of this type of bread is very high.

Llorente smiled and glanced at Bernard before answering Ronan:

"I bet if you come, it will be a huge exhibition area."

Ronan suppressed his excitement and pretended to ponder for a few seconds before speaking:
"I'm sorry, I haven't been in Provence for very long and I'm not very familiar with the food events here, nor have I participated in many. I'd like to ask, what level is this first dessert competition among Provence's food events? What other similar events are there?"

Llorente happily slapped the table.

Ronan asked a brilliant question!

Another chance to 'brainwash' Bernard
“Food events in Provence fall into two main categories: local events and events organized around the theme of ‘food.’ To put it simply, let me give you some examples: the Cavallon Melon Festival in Cavallon, the melon capital; the olive oil blind tasting competition in Nyon, a major olive oil producing region; the Bouillabaisse World Championship in Marseille; and the Nice Salad Olympics in Nice. These events are supported not only by our Provence Food Association but also by local governments. These are top-tier events, requiring entry standards for both participants and sponsors, but the returns are substantial, attracting at least 20 visitors.”

"The second type of event is organized by various branches or brands, such as the goat cheese rolling ball competition in Banon, the terracotta cooking competition in Avignon, the wine sommelier competition in Saint-Tropez, the anise liqueur speed drinking competition in Aix-en-Provence, the garlic braiding competition in Lottec, and the lavender honey toast stacking game in Valensole. These events are divided into two to five levels depending on the size of the organizer and the number of participating tourists."

After speaking, Llorente looked expectantly at Ronan, who, sensing the opportunity, quickly asked:
"What level of event is this dessert competition?"

Llorente burst into hearty laughter:

“Of course it’s Level 1. Aix-en-Provence wants to solidify its reputation as the ‘dessert capital’ in the minds of tourists, so they specifically asked us to plan this event. The government’s support is fantastic; they’ve guaranteed to promote it at various important landmarks for two weeks before the event starts. I wouldn’t have invited you if it weren’t a Level 1 event. That wouldn’t be befit your status.” Ronan nodded in satisfaction, seemingly convinced by Ronan’s words, and then asked:
Are all these events the same in format? I mean, can they all have exhibition areas?

“Oh, no—” Llorente recalled, “Only a few events, such as the bread competition in Mena village and the pottery cooking competition in Avignon, have on-site demonstration areas; other events take various forms.”

Now it was Ronan's turn to look expectantly at Llorente:
Can I also participate in the bread competition in Ména and the clay pot cooking competition in Avignon?

Since we can participate under the restaurant's name, we should definitely sign up as many people as possible.

Even if Ronan doesn't have time to go, Luo Tianhai can take people with him!

Ronan still vividly remembers the grand bread competition last year; the event, held near the Mena Village market, made the already bustling Mena Village market even more lively.

This is exactly the kind of event Ronan wanted!

An event that can give restaurants more exposure!
Bernard exclaimed in surprise, "Eh!"

Ronan is interested in so many events?

Llorente gasped in surprise.

Why is Ronan interested in so many events?

You, who own a Chinese restaurant, always manage to steal the limelight, which puts me in a difficult position!

Just then, a waiter came to serve the food.

Ronan pointed to the dishes on the table:

"Eat and talk at the same time, it won't taste good if it gets cold."

Llorente glanced down, his expression turning even uglier.

The presentation was surprisingly good, very much in the style of French cuisine.

Bernard pointed to the dark brown food in the small, round-bellied earthenware jar in front of him and asked:

"What is this dish?"

Ronan introduced him to:

"Dongpo Pork".

Bernard didn't immediately eat the Dongpo pork; instead, he carefully examined the round-bellied earthenware jar that held it.

"This tool is really beautiful."

Bernard believes that this tableware has a unique aesthetic appeal.

Ronan smiled happily:
"Zoe burned it."

Bernard asked incredulously:
"Did Zoe make this herself?"

Bernard was an avid collector and well-versed in the Provençal art market; otherwise, he wouldn't have accompanied Llorente to meet Ronan.

He had told Llorente long ago that he would sponsor Ronan's dessert event no matter the cost!
Zoe's artworks have fetched astronomical prices on the secondary market, with even her early works of art now selling for five figures.

Instead of storing this treasure in a display case, you actually use it as a tool?

Ronan said calmly:

"Of course she made them herself. Zoe doesn't have an assistant. Sigh, she worked so hard. She made six or seven batches by herself before the restaurant opened, making hundreds of plates and cups."

Bernard was completely unsettled and began to look around warily.

Those familiar with art know that Zoe is skilled in glassmaking and ceramics, while Ronan runs a weaving-type handicraft cooperative.
Could the woven chairs, woven lamps, plates, and bowls here all be works of art?
Is this a restaurant or a museum?

While Bernard was surprised to find himself dining in a museum, Llorente completed a tasting of three dishes.

He abandoned his smooth-talking, two-faced manner and asked Ronan earnestly:
Can I see the menu?

The food at this restaurant is of a very high standard.

The presentation was exquisite, and the taste of the food was even more exquisite. Although it was exotic cuisine, it didn't feel out of place at all. In fact, I even wanted to try a few more dishes.

“Of course.” Ronan got up to get the menu. “However, the portions here are quite large, so ordering too much would be a waste.”

Llorente savored the taste in his mouth carefully, and suddenly, he broke into a huge smile and said in an incredibly enthusiastic tone:

"It's okay, I'll just do it a few more times."

He had initially only wanted to use Ronan, but now he had changed his mind; this man was worth getting to know.

(End of this chapter)