About Our Chef:   Mathew has worked with Albert Roux and at top hotels, such as Gleneagles, Turnberry and the Dorchester.

While you are here ... treat yourself to a manicure by Alison Brady of the Retreat Salon.   Taking care of your hands is important for busy cooks. Luxury manicure - £23. Jessica hand treament - £11.50 Ask us for more information.

REFINE YOUR CULINARY SKILLS

Refresh and refine your culinary knowledge and learn the secrets of our award-winning chef, Mathew De Franco.  We have devised two courses;  a residential one for just two people, and a half-day one for not more than six, so Mathew can devote time to your queries.  Both take place in the normal, domestic kitchen at Duntrune House, rather than in a cookery school, which means that you will work in an environment similar to your own kitchen.

Whether you are new to the kitchen or a cook with years of experience, there is always more to learn.  Mathew has worked in five-star hotels and top restaurants, and has considerable skill in preparing and cooking food, and in presenting each dish so that every single one delights the eyes as well as the taste buds.

With Mathew, we have put together two courses where you can learn how the professionals do it.  

1.Refine how you dine!   A residential course for two people

DAY ONE Arrive at Duntrune House about four o'clock in time for afternoon tea and then settle in and go for a stroll in the grounds. 

At seven o'clock enjoy a three-course dinner prepared, cooked and presented by Mathew. Over coffee, Mathew will discuss the programme for the course, including any issues you have raised in your booking form. 

DAY TWO The morning will be devoted to learning about:   useful equipment for a kitchen like yours;  dressing the table for all occasions, including the intricacies of napkin-folding;   and preparing and presenting a light lunch of soup and salad - with the emphasis on seasonings, sauces and salad dressings.
Mathew will also show you remedies for when things go wrong, remedies which also apply to preparations for dinner.

After lunch, you will dress the dinner table to make it look special.

Then you will be able to observe and question Mathew as he prepares and cooks your dinner - a starter, a main course and a dessert.  Mathew will show you plate-presentation and you will replicate each dish under his watchful eye, and serve each course - before sitting down to enjoy it.

DAY THREE For breakfast, Mathew will show you how to make the perfect poached, fried and scrambled eggs to accompany your bacon etc. And before you go, Mathew will spend time with you to answer any questons you have about issues which arise in your kitchen and to discuss more ways in which you can enhance your skills.

P.S.  You may wish to bring your camera to record your achievements!

To enquire or book click here

2.         Refine Your Skills:   a half-day course for 2 - 6 people

This course is especially useful if you have lunch or dinner-parties;  you'll learn how to present the table and the food to create that special atmosphere.  Enjoy a day or evening out with a difference!

   Arrive in time for coffee and a chat with Mathew about the course, which includes:.

-    Setting the scene:   table-settings and napkin-folding

-    Presenting a visual feast:  Mathew will demonstrate plate-presentaton of a starter, a main course and a dessert.  You will replicate each dish presentation.

-   Tasting:     you can savour the meal which Mathew has cooked and you have presented.

During the course you can raise any issues which you have encountered in your kitchen. 
Mathew is here to help you improve your knowledge.

P.S.  You may wish to bring a camera to record your achievements.

3.  Just For You!
If you and your friends would like a course just for you, focusing on what you want to do,
give us a call on (01382) 350239 or e.mail info@therealretreat.co.uk

To enquire or book click here