Enjoying the Punishment

We have not quite yet survived the bureaucratic bungling of setting up a restaurant in France. We have just submitted ten copies of an enormous dossier to the mairie that needs to be presented to a load of different committees. First a planning department to change the official use of the building, (turns out that at some point after the restaurant last closed its doors in 1996, the building’s status was converted from commercial use to domestic), then a department to make sure it is fit for public use, then a meeting to look at all the fire and safety compliances, and then one to check out the handicap protocols. Oh, and don’t forget the notoriously fussy historic monuments division who have to have a peek too, because of the 700-year-old castle across the road – not that any of the reams of plans and descriptions have changed since the 1950s renovations.
No one in local officialdom is able to say exactly when or what bits of paper need to come back from all these places, but whether their pronouncements affect the planned opening at the beginning of June we are yet to see.
Meanwhile, back to the fun stuff! Shopping on a budget to equip and enhance a derelict restaurant that had been part of the community for 60 years.
The fire department couldn’t tell me where I can buy the appropriate fire extinguishers, but the old owner has lent me some wonderful photos dating back to when his grandmother first opened the restaurant doors in 1938. I need to get the facts in order before I can recount the history, but the photos are going to look fabulous on the walls…

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Rosie Paddon offers bespoke planning for all unique events in France. Wedding planning and Rosieskitchen Catering services. Rosie Paddon is able to put over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry around the world to use in organising exceptional French Events. Her enthusiasm for the area – with its atmospheric architecture, the markets and love of food, and the diverse activities available, means that she can provide you with vital knowledge to help you plan your party, no matter what your budget. From hilltop castles, a local chapel with ancient frescoes, feasts in an enormous banqueting barn, or a romantic vine clad tower, your dream wedding, or any celebration, is possible. French Events at Partyinfrance is a bespoke service and every wedding or celebration is unique so do not hesitate to contact Rosie for individual help and advice. ‘Rosies Kitchen’ also offers a bespoke Personal Chef and Private Catering Service. Working with as many local suppliers as possible, they have provided meals from a romantic dinner for two, to weddings and village fetes for over 200. Rosie believes that a celebration meal can make or break a successful party and is especially enthusiastic about food! Although usually leaning towards a relaxed French fete atmosphere - Spit roasting or barbequing over an open fire pit is their speciality - there is often a personal element relative to a couple that can be incorporated into a menu. Personal menus are devised to suit the occasion & the numbers involved. They are also experienced in Vegetarian & Vegan, and dietary intolerant options. Rosies Kitchen lovely catering staff are a must for use at events too large for clients to handle on their own. This is also the perfect answer for stressed hosts who want to organise their own event, but can use the consulting service, and can let the team take over.

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