A Culinary Escape Weekend on LBI, NJ

A Culinary Escape Weekend on LBI, NJ
Come enjoy a fun filled diversion from your daily life with a weekend of French Cuisine Cooking with reknowned French Chef, Francis Pons. Francis is an Executive French Chef and Pastry Chef, classically trained in France. He studied at Elysse Professional Culinaire Gastronomic in France, similar to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He also trained in Munich Mansion, a private cooking school in Bavaria, Germany learning the art of patisserie (pastry) making. Francis' culinary experience includes: Chef de Cuisine at Hotel La Grotte, a Michelin star hotel in Lourdes, France and Chef de Cuisine, at La Cote Basque, in New York City. In addition, he interned under Master Chef, Alain Ducasse, at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, France and was the Sous Chef at Le Chateau, in North Salem, NY.

Your time spent with Francis will give new appreciation to the thought and care that goes into creating a fabulous meal. After you prepare the meal with supervision by Francis you will then enjoy your masterpiece, and have the rest of your stay to do what you like. Feel free to bring your favorite wines or drinks to complement the meal. Depending on class booked, you may do some of the prep at Francis’s shop, “A Little Bite of Italy” in Surf City, or complete the whole course on the site of Beach House Retreats. The meal will be served in the home. Please bring your notebook, camera, and apron for the class. If your group would like any of Francis’s gourmet pastries for breakfast they can be ordered before the weekend to ensure your order. Order must have 24 hour notice minimum.

Long Beach Island is a sleepy barrier island on the NJ coast. It is the true definition of peace and quiet in the off season. You would never know there are nearly 8,000 year round residents tucked in their homes. The beaches are wide open spaces with the majestic Atlantic Ocean luring you down. Feel the mist, collect the oceans treasure of shells left at your feet, and take a photo moment for a keepsake while down. “LBI” in the fall, winter and spring is a great place to spend time with loved ones learning something new, or just reconnecting. Plan your next get together on LBI at a unique spot ,” Beach House Retreats”.
While staying at Beach House Retreats you’ll have ocean views from all floors, you can enjoy walks on the beach, or cozy reading by the fireplace. Suit up and grab your robe and enjoy the hot tub on the roof top deck with amazing panoramic views with a hot chocolate or glass of wine. The house is very inviting with sun beaming in the living rooms, a great open floor plan downstairs in the kitchen / living room area for multi-tasking groups. The kitchen is fully stocked with all the cooking / baking needs. With radiant floor heat and the fireplaces flames dancing you will stay toasty on a wintery stay. Enjoying a storm rolling in from the second floor living room will allow you to see Mother Nature at her best. The cloud formations and the oceans fury are very dramatic from the bird’s eye view.
The house can accommodate 16 people. There are 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 living rooms, laundry room, outdoor living areas in the backyard and fourth floor rooftop deck, and outside shower weather permitting. To fit your groups size the house can be rented in two ways, both including rooftop deck:
1. First floor only, sleeping 8 with 1st bedroom with queen bed,2nd bedroom with ocean views and queen bed, and 3rd bedroom with bunk beds and ocean views, and queen pullout in living room, with laundry room , and bath with shower stall with handicapped rails.
2. Second floor added for total of sleeping 8 additional people with 4th bedroom with queen bed, 5th bedroom with King Bed and ocean views, another queen pullout, and full futon in living room, with a full bathroom.
Lodging costs:
Sept., May
Full House $850 per night 16 person max.
Half house $600 per night 8 max.
Oct., April
Full House $800 per night 16 person max.
Half House $550 per night 8 person max.
Nov.-March
Full House $750 per night 16 person max.
Half House $500 per night 8 person max.
FRENCH CUISINE COOKING WITH CHEF FRANCIS PONS
Chocolate Ecstasy Tuition: $135 pp
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Italian Festival Tuition: $150 pp
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Fishermen’s Delight Tuition: $165 pp
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Parisienne Sojourn Tuition $165 pp
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Spouses are welcome if there is room also charged for tuition due to eating the meal.

For more details on how to book, house, area and pictures go to:
www.LBI-Vacation.com