BON APPETIT: DEGUSTATION IN PARIS Study Tour to Paris, France 嘗味巴黎遊學團

January 9 – 17, 2020 An Overview

Oh croissant, omelette, crepe, duck confit... French has been one of the most influential gastronomical forces we know in modern world. Let us bring you to the epicentre -- Paris -- where food cultures of new and old collide. Enjoy an immersive learning experience witnessing the gastronomic development through the passing of time.

Studying through () experience is a must, but you will also participate in professional classes at world renowned Ritz Escoffier School and Le Cordon Bleu to learn about French pastry, bread, and .

In addition, you will gain exclusive access to an industry-only trade show, visit markets, pastry shops and bakeries hand-picked by our , and tour around and taste wines in Champagne. These unique experiences will let you revisit classics and gain insights to the latest food trends. Trip Highlights

1. Gain special access to one of the largest trade-exclusive show for professionals in bakery-pastry industry; see live demos and competitions.

2. Private pastry and cuisine classes taught by French chefs at the legendary Le Cordon Bleu, and Ritz Escoffier School in the Ritz Paris.

3. One day in-depth winery chateaux tours and tastings in Champagne.

4. Chef's carefully curated dining and pastry experiences in the city.

5. Guided shopping tour to kitchenware and specialty food boutiques.

6. Market visits of all sorts, and group using the fresh ingredients. Travel with Chef

Paris has always been a favourite destination for Chef Baron. Having been to Paris numerous time -- either to hone his skills or to learn about the trends at trade shows -- he has gotten too many foodie spots to recommend.

Occupational hazard around his waist aside, he has been trying and patisseries whenever he goes in Paris. For the first time, he is personally sharing what he has seen and learnt with you. Follow him to discover the tastiest of Paris in January 9-17, 2020. Route to Success

This study tour puts you onto a unique journey. It is like learning French while living in Paris, we take French cooking classes while immersing ourselves everyday in all the good Paris region has to offer. Not just anywhere, but we go to the best schools there are.

Le Cordon Bleu was found more than a century ago as a cooking school in Paris. Its current state-of-the-art culinary facility is where many aspiring chefs originate. For our pastry day, we will take a classic demo+practical duo class the same way their diploma students do. For our cuisine day, we will learn many techniques cooking up a to enjoy in a workshop setting.

Taking the name of its renowned founders and located in one of the most prestigious hotels in the world, Ritz Escoffier School's ethos is based on Escoffier's words, "Good cuisine is the foundation of true happiness." We will learn two classic pastry and bread that is both seasonal and classically French. Route to Success

Class contents are chosen with consideration of student's various skill levels. Master skills that will be useful even when you return home and discover techniques from some of the best chef instructors out there. You will learn to make from scratch a modern entremet, a classic seasonal pastry, a seasonal bread, and an epitome of . Gourmet Learning

Paris is one of the world's most popular destination for its gastronomic scene. The heightened sensations and fierce competition brings about excellence. Join us to explore the best restaurants out there, and fall in love with genuine French food, from tasting (degustation) to casual indulgence, . Gourmet Learning

Immerse yourself into patisseries old and new, as if walking through the time that transcends the evolution of pastry. Gourmet Learning

Visit the trendiest shops that make modern pastries. Go onto private tours, learn how the food industry is transforming, and be inspired by creative innovations. Specialty Shopping

As the incubator for haute cuisine and pastry, Paris is blessed with a full array of specialty suppliers in high quality food ingredients, tools and supplies. Let Chef bring you to his favourite shopping spots for many good deals. Accommodation

Our 3-star hotel is strategically located in the 7th Arrondissement in the Eiffel Tower neighbourhood, with convenient access to the most popular market street and many bakeries and specialty shops. The hotel, while within our budget, boasts a top-10 ranking in TripAdvisor among Paris' 1800+ accommodations. Tour Itinerary

January 9 – 17, 2020. Paris

Day 1, January 9, Thursday The tour begins at Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport in the morning, where you will get picked up if you arrive by Air Canada/Air France flights from Toronto. As it is before check-in time, we will drop off our luggage to the hotel and proceed directly to local Parisian markets.

Catching the freshest produce at the largest Parisian market that opens only 2 days a week, and subsequently an iconic near-400-years-old covered market, our objective is to get exposure to true Parisian foods and buy ingredients that we will use to up our first dinner at night.

Back to a kitchen near the markets, some of us will relax, while others will join Chef Baron to get our "welcome dinner" ready. Unwind with wine, cheese, and casual dishes for the first day.

Return to our hotel after, or get a at a local bar before you do so.

Included: dinner. Tour Itinerary

Day 2, January 10, Friday The food scene in Paris is ever changing. Wake up to the latest hype in the city's newest patisserie and join the queue to an amazing . The morning continues with sightseeing in 2nd Arrondissement. Visit shops at a very European canopy-covered passage and be mesmerized by the historical monument. at a local favourite and liberate yourself with their tremendous selection of charcuteries, cheeses, breads and .

Following lunch, venture into the legendary Ritz Paris, and learn first- hand from the hotel's chef in a 4-hour class at the Ritz Escoffier School. Bring back not only what you make but much to talk about.

Thereon, we will take the train to a destination where dinner is served in an ornate room adorned with majestic paintings. Step in for a lavish French meal that is a treat for your taste buds and a feast for your eyes.

Included: lunch, dinner. Tour Itinerary

Day 3, January 11, Saturday Join the many pastry and bakery industry professionals, students, and trades people at the largest exhibition park in France where a 4-day trade show is held. It is a gathering of the whole industry, where chefs and experts showcase their innovations and discover new trends.

As a student of Gusta Cooking Studio, you can gain special access to this show. This is a rare opportunity to gain in-depth insights into all aspects of bakery and pastry. There are live demonstrations showing novelties in the market led by industry frontiers, experimental space where new food concept is explored, and so much more. The show is also the venue for the World Bakery Cup and European Pastry Cup 2019.

The day passes by unnoticed as you are constantly inspired. When the show concludes for the day, you will visit a modern French gastronomic and be inspired further enjoying a .

Included: dinner. Tour Itinerary

Day 4, January 12, Sunday As the trade show is has a vast wealth of information, you will enjoy attending it with Chef Baron as your guide for the second day. There are numerous demonstrations and talks, for example: Modernist Bread: A Unique Encyclopedia by Nathan Myhrvold Natural Coloring Agents by Claire Damon Alternative Flours by Marjorie Foucade Triangle Puff by Fabrice Prochasson MOF

After the show, you may have dinner with the group or on your own.

While there are so much to learn, for those of you who opt to not attend the show for the day, you may follow our recommendations of various sightseeing activities with a detailed guide, or join one of the local excursions, which we can help you book based on your preferences. Tour Itinerary

Day 5, January 13, Monday From early morning, you will attend a full day of classes at the world renowned culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu Paris. The format of instruction is identical to that of their diploma students -- the chef conducts a demonstrative instruction while the students watch on and take notes on their recipe, then after a lunch break, the students work hands-on in reproducing what they learned. You will bring home your creation, souvenir from the school, and a certificate of participation.

In the late afternoon, after a short walk on Rue Saint-Honoré dotted with luxury shops, you enter Le Meurice and are pampered with an opulent time, choosing from a classic afternoon tea or special desserts made in the kitchen of Cedric Grolet, into which you have a private tour after.

Conclude the day, should you still have room for it, at the Galeries Lafayette with a sweet dream in mind.

Included: afternoon tea. Tour Itinerary

Day 6, January 14, Tuesday Breakfast at a patisserie cafe opened by a highly acclaimed chef is followed by sightseeing at Eiffel Tower and surrounding area. At noon, you may choose to join an optional lunch, or spend time on your own.

Option 1: Trade show. Seize the last opportunity to see what you missed.

Optional 2: Lunch at L'Arpège. The French restaurant by legendary Alain Passard has kept its 3-Michelin-star status for 20 years, and is currently ranked #8 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants. This is our chef's #1 recommendation among 3-stars. Tasting menu starts from 420 euros.

Late afternoon, we reconvene at Le Cordon Bleu Paris for a 5-hour cuisine workshop. Experience making a classic and acquire techniques taught by one of their chef instructors. Class concludes at a seated dinner with wine and .

Included: breakfast, dinner. Tour Itinerary

Day 7, January 15, Wednesday Other than the shops you visited on previous days, this is the day when you follow a pastry route on which you indulge and gain knowledge from all the explorations.

Guided by Chef Baron, you will go between markets, patisseries and chocolate shops, bookstores, and speciality supplies stores where you can get your hands on the awe-inspiring collection of references, kitchen supplies and tools. It is a full day of shopping.

Early evening, Chef will be visiting one of his favourite counter restaurants specialized in truffles and foie gras in Paris for more shopping and dinner. You may opt to join.

Tireless as you are after a full day of tasting and shopping, you may want to visit the Louvre Museum afterwards since it has less crowd at night and opens until later on Wednesdays. Tour Itinerary

Day 8, January 16, Thursday

Champagne has been the synonym to sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines can be called Champagne. It has to be produced in the Champagne region under strict rules.

You spend the day visiting the famous Champagne region to learn everything about it. You will get to visit some of the most beautiful and unique champagne houses and tour the production facilities. Admire on the unique architecture, as well as the structure your wine has to offer.

Upon returning to Paris, we will celebrate our last night of study tour going to a French joint, another local favourite, for a casual but fun dinner.

Included: lunch, dinner. Tour Itinerary

Day 9, January 17, Friday

Most flights from Paris to Toronto leave in the morning. We may be able to arrange breakfast together depending on your timing.

You may choose to continue your journey further on in Paris as weekend approaches. We will be happy to provide assistance in planning and making bookings. Tour Info

Tour dates: January 9 – 17, 2020 (9 days 8 nights) Tour fee: CAD $5580+HST/person

The fee covers: 8 nights of accommodation in a double occupancy room. For a single room by yourself, additional fee of CAD$840 applies. Total of designated 9 . fees, including materials, tools, venue rental etc. Trade show visitor pass for 4 days. Guide and escort fees, interpreter fees for classes, and transportation expenses within the set itinerary. Champagne tours and tastings. Airport transfer to city on January 9, 2020. 2 weeks of Paris city metro pass.

Tour Info

The fee does not cover: Visa application fee (Canadians do not need a visa). Expenses for shopping and activities during free time. Meals outside of aforementioned included meals. Optional lunch at L'Arpege Restaurant. Shopping during pastry/bakery visits. Round trip airplane tickets. Extra charges incurred for single occupancy room (CAD $840). Travel insurance. Questions or Registration

Call/Whatsapp +1 905-604-6040 Email [email protected] Friendly Reminders

1. Study tour does not include visa application. Please check and ensure you have the proper visitor visa. Canadians do not need to apply for a visa to France, but need a valid passport.

2. Airfare not included. This study tour will begin and end in Paris. Most international flights fly in and out of Charles De Gaulle (CDG) Airport, about 23km northeast of Paris.

3. Participants have to follow our guide, and are not allowed to leave the group on their own during the tour unless said optional activities. If an absence is necessitated, participants are responsible for the absence of activities.

4. We reserve the right to make any necessary adjustment to the itinerary.