Rick Stein's Secret France Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

Rick Stein's Secret France features British chef and television personality Rick Stein as he embarks on a culinary journey across hidden corners of France in search of new ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," Rick begins his adventure in the quiet village of Goult, located in the picturesque Luberon region of Provence.

In Goult, Rick discovers a charming and vibrant community that has preserved many of its traditional ways of life in the face of modernization. He explores the village's streets, shops, and markets, meeting local producers and artisans who share their stories and their products with him. Rick is particularly delighted by the variety and quality of the region's fruits and vegetables, which he finds especially fresh and flavorful.

Rick's first stop is the weekly farmers' market in nearby Apt, where he meets with Marcel and Nelly Gascon, a couple who have been farming the same plot of land for over 40 years. They grow a variety of vegetables, including carrots, peas, artichokes, and pumpkin, and Rick is impressed by the intensity of their flavors. Marcel and Nelly tell Rick about the challenges of farming in a changing climate, and how they have managed to adapt and innovate over the years.

Next, Rick visits a nearby goat cheese farm run by a family named Charaix. The Charaixes have been making artisanal goat cheese for over four generations, using milk from their own herd of goats. Rick gets to see the entire cheese-making process, from milking the goats to packaging the cheese for sale. He is particularly impressed by the soft, creamy textures and complex flavors of the Charaixes' cheese, and makes a mental note to use some in his future recipes.

Later on, Rick visits a truffle farm in the nearby town of Richerenches, where he chats with a young local farmer named Yannick, who is carrying on a generations-old family tradition of truffle hunting. Yannick and his faithful dog, Eclair, scour the surrounding woods for precious Black Truffles, which grow underground and are highly prized for their earthy, musky flavor. Rick watches in amazement as Eclair sniffs out a few large truffles, which Yannick then expertly extracts from the soil.

Finally, Rick heads back to Goult to meet with his friend, Michel, a local chef who runs a popular restaurant in the village. Michel invites Rick to join him in preparing a classic Provencal dish called Boudin noir aux pommes, or black pudding with apples. Rick helps Michel with the preparation, and the two of them enjoy a convivial meal together.

Throughout the episode, Rick showcases his signature style of cooking, which emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, simple but flavorful seasoning, and an unwavering respect for tradition. He also displays his natural charm and curiosity, as he engages with the different characters he meets along the way and uncovers the secret gems of French gastronomy.

Overall, episode 1 of Rick Stein's Secret France is a delightful and informative introduction to the series, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the French countryside and the richness of its culinary heritage. For foodies and travel aficionados alike, it promises to be a fascinating and mouth-watering journey.