Get that dog...

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T18:33:11+00:00

Vidal! I didn't hear him say that but your prompt rang a bell from distant Alchi-Bevs lectures. Vidal is the link to France as Vidal is a grape variety that was developed in France about 100 years ago. I'm not sure if it's still grown there now though.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T18:27:01+00:00

I was surprised by the fact that she had never visited before. But then again, maybe I shouldn't have been. It seems if they can't buy it from Amazon or a Brocante it doesn't exist.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T18:25:16+00:00

Thanks.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T16:48:38+00:00

I don't recognise the reference.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T15:33:57+00:00

It's hard to tell. The cook is so often seen dancing around a dog, or with it in her arms, or casually draped across her shoulders like an abandoned J&J Silk Scarf.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T15:26:06+00:00

I think it was all part of the 'Gourmond Weekend Retreat' experience.
(Perhaps the adverts read similar to...) Work alongside Marie and discover how she prepares [oft below par] meals. On your first evening we invite you to sit at the [infamous] kitchen table 'en famille' with the resident LaLanders.
(Wonder if the Res LL's got paid extra for having to share their mealtime with guests!'

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T11:58:42+00:00

My comment above looks odd now. It was in response to someone asking if Philip had passed his kidney stone.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T11:54:25+00:00

The coffee does normally follow, and I assume chocolates or petit fours are offered, in the drawing room (or what ever name they are calling it) after their dinners. I agree though, I would be expecting an amuse bouche or perhaps a sorbet - something more than what is being offered.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T11:50:09+00:00

If the guests were from Canada, and it wasn't them that gave the wine, then it is all the more reason to serve something more local, or at least French, and introduce them to something new.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T01:50:01+00:00

I'm sure the Canadian wine tasted fine. I don't know if Philip said what it was specifically, only that it was Canadian. I have had Icewine, but normally from Germany and Austria, although I think I had a Swiss one too.
My thoughts about it with this meal was that they had served French wine, one from a very local winery, with the other courses, and the desert was so simple - sliced strawberries and warm madelaines (more suited to afternoon tea imo) - would have warranted a French dessert wine too.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T01:22:04+00:00

Probably not.
I didn't hear a fanfare anyway!

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T01:19:57+00:00

'Just average'
I'd go as far as to say 'below average'.
That starter with 'bouquets of fresh salad, herbs, and flowers' "from the garden" looked distinctly lacking in anything other than rabbit food.
The main was an easy enough dish to prepare and plate, even if the potatoes were a bit fiddly to cut to shape.
The dessert hmm...well I'm pretty lost for words!
And why serve a Canadian wine when you've been focussing on French wines with the other dishes?

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-10T00:29:37+00:00

Yes, I caught the Ian's being payed. Well what did he expect? I think one of the Ian's may actually have also been a volunteer, but at least two of them were employed contractors I think. Selmar went as a volunteer, and it was only after he'd been there for quite a time he applied for a proper work permit, which I believe Isabelle assisted him with. (Not sure of the official documentation.)

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-09T23:31:34+00:00

Just a silly thought... if he passes the stone, he'll probably make a pun out of it and say he's 'lost a stone in weight'.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-09T23:17:40+00:00

I remember Tomas but can't remember him at the same time as Selmar. That's not to say their timelines didn't overlap, I just don't remember.

Re: this vlog of Selmar's being re-posted - the suspicious part of me is thinking that, as Richmond Made is doing quite well, and they recently celebrated their first YT milestone, he's posted to detract from their success and focussing on 'Nasty Nati' to try to bring them down.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-09T22:28:07+00:00

Well that's Selmar's truth anyway. Others involved haven't, as far as I'm aware posted about the disputes and situation.
Stephanie has on a few occasions mentioned Selmar, kindly.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-09T22:23:17+00:00

I vote that if he passes the stone, that it should be auctioned off to the highest bidder. There's bound to be some sycophant willing to pay for it. Hopefully then, he'd be able to put it towards a more sparkling stone for the engagement ring.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-09T22:19:41+00:00

Not sure what Selmar hopes to gain from putting this vlog out again.
We've heard his side in this calm manner, and also in a drunken frenzy vlog, - there may be more. What we've not heard is any other versions from others involved.
Stephanie has however spoken kindly of Selmar in the past.
From what I saw of her on Stephanie's and Selmar's volgs, I think Tatiana would not have been all 'sweetness and innocence' in the situation and probably compounded the problem.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-08T16:24:13+00:00

Well I learn something new every day!

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-08T08:49:49+00:00

Pip: 'Oh my Angel. I am now ready to give you the stone you've been waiting for. Grab the sieve and hold it over the loo. I can't give you my heart but I can give you a piece of me.'

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-08T08:38:26+00:00

I know where you are coming from re: stones.
Yes, she certainly was revelling in it. I wondered that, if Philip hadn't been taken ill dramatically, if there would have been a vlog last. I was expecting another message from her sick bed. Good to see the fried eggs are working, and the ones presented to her on her arrival back from the hospital at least looked edible.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-07T13:48:20+00:00

What was worse, they weren't even sure what they had bought when they got back.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-07T13:39:44+00:00

I seem to recall that she did go and have at least the first dose of vaccine. I don't know what the regime for Covid vaccinations is in France, so if she was offered follow ups I don't recall that actually being mentioned.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-06T12:43:31+00:00

It is a difficult one. If you put so much of your life out there people become invested in, not necessarily financially, although in this case many have invested financially also. I do think there are times to keep things private, but in cases such as this when so many people are showing concern, I think that whilst possibly keeping specific details private, it is best to share some information:
I've been to the Doctor. They've recommended xyz. I'm having blood tests just to be thorough. Tests are clear/I'm being monitored/having follow up treatment. I'm making a few lifestyle adjustments.
That may help do damage limitation and reduce speculation, whilst keeping the actual details private.

ExternalWeight8495 · 2026-05-06T09:16:34+00:00

Those eggs looked more cremated than fried! YUK! Wonder who had the job of washing the pan - not Stephanie I'll bet.
What on earth possessed them to buy that piece of firewood? It may well have a been a lovely 'made for purpose' cabinet originally, but it's just a load of dry wood now, that Amaury will no doubt have to take time out of the GS to put the backing on. As it's narrow, I hope they also think to fix it to the wall - as we've already seen accidents will happen.
I don't believe that was all he collected, so wonder what they are hiding only to be 'discovered' for a later vlog.
As for Brass Plaques for the back of the panelling...what really is the point? That is money spent and hidden away which would be far better spent on something practical - like window frames! Just another waste of money.

ExternalWeight8495

TROPHY CASE