The Chateau Diaries 094: Gastronomic Delights

Some weeks are EPIC and this was one of them! The chateau was filled with wonderful people as the lovely chef Mike Robinson hosted his birthday weekend at Lalande. His guests included the 2 Michelin star chef Brett Graham from London's The Ledbury restaurant, and the food was UNBELIEVABLE. Lalande's wood fired bread oven was working overtime, churning out delicious bread, vegetables and venison. Michael Petherick and Marie joined the festivities, and together with all of the guests we had a ball 🍾 🏰 🍾
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
This weekly vlog follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️

[@moodylicious]

I find it incredibly touching that Chef Mike chose to celebrate his birthday with loved ones at the Chateau. He could have selected any number of posh restaurants, hotels, country or homes; yet he went where he felt the warmth and love plentifully flowing at LaLande. It speaks to his authenticity, his inner warmth, his relaxed vibe that finds peace, comfort and inspiration at this magical place. Many Happy Returns of the Day to Mike. I remember seeing him surprise Stephanie by whipping up an apple tart on the fly after someone forgot to make dessert for the B&B guests, Mike Robinson amongst them. It came as a surprise to all he was a Michelin Star Chef, as he did not make a big to-do of it. He made a great dessert w/ ingredients on hand and lit up the kitchen w/ his beautiful flare. He was later enraptured upon being shown the immense bread oven, promising to return one day to roast a fallow deer. His presence at LaLande was especially memorable for his passion, love of craft and warm spirit. One of the Best LaLande celebrations ever.

[@larryr.johnson3048]

Marie darling, there is a much easier way to clean the wax out of candle holders. Just pop the candle holders in the freezer for a bit which causes the wax to shrink and pull away from the sides of the candle holder. Then the wax will come out quite easily. This also works with glass or ceramic candle holders. I too have a thing for having clean candle holders.

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

In the company of these chefs, stephanies wood fired oven is like a Ferrari everybody wants a chance to test drive. They are in awe!!!

[@haydehabdolahian7691]

What a wonderful sight ! Every body working together ! Not just coming to eat 😏

[@sheldoncampbell2139]

God I can't wait for the Chateau de Lalande cookbook hardcover!

[@VictoriaN72]

My goodness! Look at those handsome men!! And such talent ❤️

[@kristinebyrne5021]

Wax removal hint: put candlesticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes and the wax will pop right out!

[@emmageiger1123]

This is probably my favorite chateau diary episode, and I’ve seen them all. Full of happiness, amazing food and the brick oven of course

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

A metal cuticle pusher is great for removing candle wax from inside candle sticks. ☺

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Seeing the guys around the bread oven - priceless. (The pyros).

[@karolapokladnik356]

Oh my goodness! What a PARTY! The wood oven! The bread, the cheese, the meats, the drinks and the wonderful guests! Out-of-this -world!

[@jgrady9553]

What a fantastic weekend- this is the life!

[@MsCaterific]

💛Marie looks so lovely❣️

[@cynthialambert9067]

The proper way to remove candlewax from candelabra is with boiling water. No scraping and the wax disappears like magic.

[@michelerandall123]

Stephanie, Talented Michael made your eyes so beautiful and sultry! I love it when he is around helping and also playing the piano too.

[@luditebreaker5065]

We youtubers watching this fairy tale come to live through our desktops, I phones . Wow the soul of the chateaux is back.

[@raylenehansen9667]

Gosh all those Chefs and amazing food this is fabulous!

[@ifletty]

I am rewatching all the episodes, this one is in the top three.

[@stephanieratcliff6165]

Trying to get current and binge watching your fantastic vlogs. Loving them all. The food in this episode off the chart! What a wonderful party.

[@wmomente]

All this talent and passion for great food and living - bravo

[@RWMoortgat]

You look stunning! What a lovely video! Fantasy husband Michael also always looking his best. Thanks for the lovely videos Stephanie!

[@judygilleland9384]

How about, "Chateau Party Menus & Recipes?" I'd buy that book!

[@cathyhelmuth823]

Me too! We need a Chateau Lalande cookbook!

[@ilovejewelyn]

So nice to see the kitchen & oven alive! Love Michael playing piano! ❤️

[@lorky24]

Michael is your perfect sidekick and how wonderful to see Marie again. We've missed her. How do you stay slim with all that fabulous food surrounding you?

[@lindajones8253]

I wish Marie could live there full time. She is a wonderful person.

[@JBPalmBeach]

Please have as much Michael in your videos as possible. His smile can melt the coldest of temps.

[@numbereightyseven]

Is that temperatures, temperaments, or tempers?

[@dennise9517]

I must visit Lalande in this lifetime 🌼

[@robert3302]

Well of course, owning a chateau, en fin, is all about having fabulous parties. Well done, madame.

[@sarahburton3110]

Loving my journey back down memory lane....🧡🌸

[@davilianobostonma7669]

Marie, warm the bowl of the candle holder under hot water...It will loosen the edges of the wax to remove the candle snub easily! This prevents damage to the delicate sterling candlestick arm. We just love you in the videos! If ever in Boston or you would like to stay in area let us know... Bring Stephanie and Michael! Happy Holidays!

[@adrianpocock2645]

Mike Robinson 'The Woodsman' ...... top bloke.

[@louisedemarillac777]

I am now so addicted to all this deliciousness.. And have only been watching the series for a week or 2! Much love from Capetown, South Africa

[@50Street21]

I have silver as well as gold plated candelabra. Might I suggest using a hair dryer to loosen the wax and then it scoops right out. It also helps to keep the metal from getting scratched. The food prepared by everyone looks scrumptious. Great costumes and a fantastic birthday party. Well done everybody. Cheers! Darryl

[@elisabethlinz4256]

Your eye makeup was stunning...!!!

[@elisabethlinz4256]

You look like a glamorous filmstar, Stephanie...

[@MDeanrecipes]

Just recently discovered your channel in the 2020 and it has been such a delightful escape - but this episode ... I love to cook and experience food - I'm in heaven through you all!

[@louisegatti9262]

Wow what a vlog, how did I ever miss this one. Must have a grand night with all those chef's cooking. Everything looked so good.

[@ehpeachylove]

This video makes me so happy to see so many people from all walks of life come together, cook together eat together laugh together an interesting joyed life and everybody is so happy and joyful. I just love every video. Thank you Stephanie for sharing your family, friends and you with all of us. 😘🙏❤️ I gained pounds watching all that food and breads being prepared. Beautiful night.

[@18daisydoll65]

I just love talented people talking about their passion... delicious 😋

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Where the hell do I live, really? Stephanie Jarvis has literally invented her own fairy kingdom at Lalande. Can you believe this? I can't. I'm blown away.

[@ntakovacj3644]

I think I'm starting to live at Lalande for 20 minutes every day. Stephanie creates joy around her and reminds me of the other important things in life, once we're pretty sure we are going to survive!

[@lunaandstella825]

I just love it and I want to join, forever

[@TheAlignedGardener]

Wow... all that food. The wood fired oven. Life could just stop now. It cant get any better. I always love to hear Michael play those keys, but I really want to hear the completion of his own song he was constructing last year!

[@mychristmasemporium5927]

Stephanie you should definitely do a cooking school hosted by some of your chefs you met!

[@vintagemoss9578]

This was so much fun. I would love to see another weekend like this. 😃

[@juliatownsend4690]

What magic. Loved every minute. Xx

[@sheilabentley5165]

I just love Micheal and Stephanie working together I have followed you all from the very start when Angel and Dick and family came on my screen. I was so excited after watching Michels blog when Stephanie came on the screen. Are we having another wedding you guys,??

[@HeatherRenee2017]

There’s so much food and cheeses in all these vlogs that I have not tried. I’m missing out.

[@BrogenMatthew]

Wow!! What an amazing party!! So lucky to have those amazing chefs cooking.

[@dloadthis1617]

My dear, What a grand life you lead... wonderful friends, a magnificent home, and such a bubbly personality to complement them all. I'm a new subscriber and I cannot wait to binge watch every episode on your channel. I'm sending you my love from Beverly Hills, California. 💓💕💓

[@darladressler]

what an amazing start to the holidays surrounded by fabulous food and so many handsome men!! ooohlala

[@LL-sq8se]

An incredible vlog!😁👍🙋🕊️🧚

[@taitweigel64]

This is one of my favorite vlogs and particularly while in my cottage for many weeks. Seeing how close you all were, working, eating, celebrating together. We took these times for granted.

[@dawnmariemay8324]

What a culinary delight! #BLESSED 🙏❤️🙏🥰

[@nw5835]

I would love to be able to sharpen a knfe like that, the video like your week was Epic, great fun, thanks for sharing.

[@LoireValleyChateaux]

To easily remove wax from a sterling silver candelabra without scratching the sterling: 1. Place candelabra in a plastic zip bag, 2: Place zip bag & candelabra in the freezer for a couple hours, 3. Remove bag & candelabra from freezer - remove candelabra from zip bag - pick wax out with a toothpick or other soft object. The wax will flake out like crumb cake... Voilà!

[@ScireTwins]

Just when I think I saw my favorite episode, I fall in love with a new one. This looks like such a fun weekend!

[@BlueDog263]

Wow! This video is my dream party! Wonderfully chic attired guests, delicious food, friends, Michael at the piano, and handsome chefs!

[@Calm_Tranquillity]

Little tip, put the candle holders in the freezer, you can remove wax easy then

[@TheReisetante]

Me with a gastronomique background, it is an absolut pleasure to whatch all the activities in the kitchen.

[@onedandylion]

What an extravaganza... and topped off with a cameo from Marie. Wonderful in every way!

[@bstanevich]

Yum! I wish there were recipes!

[@suellenmcgillick8177]

If I came to visit, I would definitely want to be there when these two chefs are in the kitchen. That is so awesome. YUM!

[@elisa7881]

Third or fourth time watching this. Such a fantasy!

[@olof8100]

As a francophil your videoblog makes me smile. I love the French countryside!

[@wendypanozzo9133]

What a wonderful party! Such great company and food.

[@jennifersouthin7764]

Had a smile on my face all through this video marvellous!

[@amandavanlingen1768]

Looks like much fun was had - great food, wine, singing, dancing & guests 👌🏰🍽🍷just wonderful. Thank you for sharing special parts of your Chateau life with us 🏰. You looked beautiful for the party - as always 👌 Beautiful blessings Mandy 👑SA

[@punkrocker4julie]

Wonderful vlog! If feels so nice to see people having fun and eating well. Your videos make me so happy xo

[@melissas499]

Gorgeous Food 🥘 By fantastic chefs! Lovely party! 💫💫🥂

[@donbennett]

You are truly blessed, such an amazing evening with great company, food and drink. 🥂🎄

[@felixahsing9992]

I do enjoy watching all the on goings . Love from the South Pacific Island of Tutuila Pago Pago American Samoa .

[@jillipepper5353]

I’m drooling and parched, and very envious. What a wonderful party, all the chefs in one amazing kitchen...sigh🙋🏼✨🎄✨💖✨🎄💖✨

[@josephinedavidson5968]

Wow what fantastic food and I have been waiting to see that oven put to the test, he is the greatest chef ! What a fun Vlog that was and the atmosphere looked electric, his restaurant is on my list of To Go To ! Never forgot seeing the Wild Hare with grated white truffle at the restaurant when you and Marie were guests, so his group of friends would get to stay with you at wondrous Lalande. Stephanie it was magical to see such happiness.

[@traceystoneman1922]

Wow absolutely loved this 😍😍😍

[@lunayahwitch]

I agree, Vermont Maple Syrup makes everything better!

[@laplumedematante]

How effortlessly mindblowing, wth all the ingredients for a wonderful party. I admire the making (and editing!) of your videos as much as the splendour of the elegant red cape's history, the sumpteous food and the array of beautiful friends, guests, and as always, the delightful chatelaine.

[@karinbergman1646]

Amazingly wonderful. Everything! 🙏🏻🎄🦔💗❣️💗🦔🎄🙏🏻

[@sarahburton3110]

Karin Bergman entirely Agree with you 💚

[@juliannemaisey5047]

Truly, wonderfully excessive! Party dreams🥂🍸🍾

[@fip62]

What a weekend! Amazing tartiflette, Trenet and haw hee haw-ing à la Eric Morecambe!

[@JBPalmBeach]

Ive only discovered your channel a few days ago and have almost caught up on all the vids. I have lived in the UK for a couple years back in the 90’s and found your vids during a hunt for memories of that life visiting castles. You have developed your channel wonderfully and the holidays seem like a fairy tail adventure for you. Although I do not enjoy the French in general due to a small visit to your airport and sitting next to a very rude frenchman on a plane that eventually took me to my limits of decency on a plane ride (I chose to stand and serve drinks for 8 hours instead of subjecting myself to him) you are a fresh of breath air. Living in Miami now and just getting an upload of pics and vids from a friend spending the holidays in France, I am enjoying everything you are doing. I spent my Holidays back in the British Countryside a few years ago for Dec and Jan in an old country home but it is so similar to your environment. Thank you for your talent and openness of living in your beautiful home.

[@rhondahoehne9143]

J B I have just discovered this blog and was reading your comment about the rude Frenchman, but I misread it as nude ! HaHa ! I was thinking why in the hell would they allow a naked man in the airport?

[@annamariaselvaggi6725]

Wow what a 🎉 party! It is great to have friends that could cook and have fun with. You are so blessed!

[@mirandaash]

OMG what a treat! You lucky things! Thanks to your vlog on Stratford I'm taking my husband to the hotel/restaurant for his 50th birthday next month! Thank you!

[@charleswalker1185]

Food! Glorious food!!!

[@Frogified8877]

Loved this! I wish we had an intro to the people. Is that the other chateau owner Mike? I would love to visit/volunteer!

[@lauraglavin4056]

the chateau I think is owned by Stephanie and two other people but the mike in this video isn’t an owner. The other two owners are named Nick and Michael Potts.

[@mrdavidnrose]

Mike is the owner of the Woodsman?? In London Stephanie did a vlog from there. Micheal in this video has his own KZbin channel now. "Doing it ourselves".. Both fun escape vlogs.. Its nice to get away from the virus, politics... Thank you so much for the escape.

[@sandrairwin5355]

Lovely Video ❤️❤️❤️

[@cbranny]

Espresso Martini sounds delicious!😍 How do you make those?

[@richaelblewett5068]

Oooooh, Cheers! Cheers! Cheers! So much FUNN!!! 🥂🍾🥂🍾🥂🍾🥂🍾

[@donnanancekivell9430]

Wow great food great company....what more could one ask for................Donna in Toronto

[@charleswalker1185]

This so much fun!!

[@jeffreycooper8408]

I lovingly remember our xmas treat of McDonalds at St Junien, and the even better tasting KFC from Limoges. Long way to go though now from home back in blighty :-)

[@lizslater5607]

Have missed the diary’s, thank you xxx

[@jennistevenson796]

Wow !!! What an epic night, absolutely epic. Please tell me where you sourced that huge Mont d’or ? My French daughter in law is coming for xmas and it’s her favourite cheese. You looked fabulous by the way and I love Michael’s piano playing....in fact I love everything Michael does !! Xx

[@LuluFrance]

I'm seriously not a fan of people, but your videos and clips are making me reconsider. Not sure I can have a chateau-esque style property without a gazillion people in it - although I have been looking for about a year - although more in the market for a moat and a massive walled garden (the people thing again)... maybe I can designate one whole wing to myself 😉 I live about 300 km south of you - so living vicariously through your video's at the moment.

[@RockDove5212]

Yes! Miserable misanthrope here , reconsidering too!😀

[@Dandylionbee]

I am an introvert, and as long as the people go as they come, leaving me in peace, I can handle occasional happy crowds with delicious food 🙂 otherwise, give me the gardens, the woods and a comfy room with plenty of books!

[@josephinemciver8089]

Party of the year indeed!

[@Lauren57218]

Thanks for sharing, this was so great

[@eduardoscoz4746]

God i'm so hungry right now!! hahaha one of my favourite vlogs, so much fun!

[@sarahburton3110]

I’m going to try the potatoes and cream n onion and bacon dish topped with cheese. Wish me luck..!!!😁💚

[@janemacleod578]

I really like the look of that too!

[@nw5835]

@@janemacleod578 Tartiflette Savoyarde a real peasant dish served all over the Alps - heavy on the tummy.

[@janemacleod578]

@@nw5835 Sounds perfect for me!!

[@MetaMM]

Not a very discreet question but for the cost of food served for the guests during their volunteer stay there, how's it? Gosh, those food!! Love them all.

[@kristiecox7350]

This was amazing! Thank you for sharing

[@josephinecachia9774]

All I can say is WOW

[@LA-jf1zn]

Wow what a weekend! 🦋

[@rusmax13]

Fabulous party, as always!! Great job Steph! ...and who makes that Advent Calendar?

[@emmacrocodilejipssy5098]

Loved Michael in the cape, the food looked so yummy. Thanks for sharing