Cook, create, celebrate

May 18, 2012 • Posted in Beth Finke, Mike Knezovich, Uncategorized by

It’s been a wild week, and I can’t think of a better way to unwind than to meet up with old friends to cook – and eat – together. That’s what Mike and I are doing tonight. We’re taking a hands-on class called “Small Bites, Big Party” with Chef Paul Lindemuth at Marcel’s Culinary Experience. Marcel’s is the culinary retail store and cooking school my friend Jill Foucré opened in Glen Ellyn, Illinois last Fall. Here’s a short description of classes from their web site:

With all classes, in addition to the instruction by our staff of chefs, you get to enjoy the meal that is made, take home the recipes and a grocery list, and take advantage of a 10% discount to the entire store that day. In addition, hands on classes include preparation of the meal, beer and wine (adult classes only), and a Marcel’s apron to take home!

Jill’s sister and brother-in-law just happen to be my friends Jenny and Dean Fischer – they’ll be joining us in the class tonight, along with twelve others who are sure to become our friends, especially after the complimentary beer and wine. Not exactly sure how much I’ll be able to participate in the hands-on cooking part, but trust me, when it comes to taste-testing, I’m an expert!

A photo from Marcel’s grand opening gala. That’s Jill in the middle, flanked by her sister Jenny, and Jenny’s husband Dean.

Jill’s business is named for her paternal grandfather, a French chef and restaurateur who grew up in Tours. I never had the privilege of meeting Marcel Foucré, but I was very fortunate to have known Jenny and Jill’s mother Suzanne. Jill wrote a tribute to her mother for Marcel’s May newsletter and agreed to let me use it with this blog post. I’ll say goodbye here and leave you with Jill’s tribute to her mom for Mother’s day. I’ve gotta dash over to the pool to do laps – Jenny emailed me this morning and said to make sure we come to class hungry!

A note from Jill

As we celebrate our mothers this month and also fully delve into our gardens, not a day goes by that I don’t think of my mom, Susanne. Susanne was the daughter-in-law of Marcel, and that was a tough spot to be in when you were married a few days before your 20th birthday and pretty much didn’t know how to boil water. Having a French chef for a father-in-law made for some tense visits but my mom was never one to back down from a challenge.

She not only learned how to cook beautifully but she knew how to entertain. She threw parties that were the envy of the neighborhood and every detail was attended to – including a guest list that threw the most dynamic people into a room together. She did love a spirited debate! I got my love of cooking from both my father and my mother but my love of entertaining was definitely from Susanne, who couldn’t have enough dishes, tableware, beautiful flowers from her always lush gardens and great food with great company.

It’s sadly ironic that losing my mom in 2009 was one of the things that spurred me on to do something different with my life — she would have loved Marcel’s so much and she would be so happy to see me doing what I love. It has been such a pleasure to meet so many customers who share her passion for bringing people together and creating just the perfect setting for doing so.

All of us at Marcel’s truly enjoy helping you find just the perfect thing whether it is for a weeknight meal for family or a once in a lifetime special occasion. Thank you to all of you who let us into your homes to cook, create, and celebrate. And Happy Mother’s Day, Mom — I couldn’t have done this without you.

 

Jill Foucre On May 18, 2012 at 11:50 am

Can’t wait to have you and the handsome Mike here tonight, Bethie!

Mike On May 21, 2012 at 12:31 pm

Hey, if I’d seen this, I’d never have ribbed you about the Cubs! I take it back! I just can’t help myself sometimes.

Also, Marcel’s is great–anybody interested in learning something and eating well and having some good wine at the same time, I highly recommend taking lessons there.

Carl On May 18, 2012 at 1:05 pm

Is Whitney going with you to cooking class, too?

bethfinke On May 19, 2012 at 11:19 am

Yes, she was there and sat very quietly the entire time –what a good girl!

Cheryl On May 18, 2012 at 1:42 pm

Sounds like a wonderful evening! I’ve got to get back to Marcel’s and look at the new tablecloths and pick up some more of those great cutting boards as gifts. (I’ll bet you’re all hoping you’re on my gift-giving list!) I love that store!!

bethfinke On May 19, 2012 at 11:22 am

Don’t get one for Jason and Keeley — hope they don’t follow my blog, shhhhh! We got one for them last night after we finished cooking — you get a 10% discount on anything you buy the night you take a cooking class. Such. A. Deal.

Judy Spock On May 18, 2012 at 4:52 pm

Great to see Dean and Jenny again…looking fit and content!…(Hello, dear children of my dear friend, Anne Poindexter Fischer.)..Judy Spock

bethfinke On May 19, 2012 at 11:25 am

Judy, I worked right alongside Dean for part of the night last nigh and our conversation turned to our mutual friend Judy Spock. He sends his love —

Kim On May 18, 2012 at 6:05 pm

Last week, you were “lost in the bathroom.” Now you’re on an adventure in the kitchen. Wondering what room we’ll find you in next?

bethfinke On May 19, 2012 at 11:26 am

Answer: A room at the Holiday Inn on Long Island — Whitney and I are flying there tomorrow!

Maria On May 19, 2012 at 11:17 am

…..what did you make? Just curious (and as always, a bit jealous). Sounded like a wonderful night of culinary delights (and libations). And that Jill, what a wonderful tribute to her mom.

bethfinke On May 19, 2012 at 11:31 am

Let’s see. Roasted shrimp, Thai chicken salad in tiny wonton baskets, savory cheesecake, dates stuffed with chorizo, then wrapped in bacon – rich! My favorite? The Thai chicken salad –so fresh and yummy.
And totally agree: a beautiful tribute by Jill about her mom.

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