It’s increasingly common that chefs cook in each other’s kitchens for special events, such as celebrity fundraisers. But that chef Jean-Marc Larrue will leave his Avignon, France, restaurant, Jardins de la Tour, to spend four February days cooking at Lilly’s—a Kentucky Bistro – now that’s remarkable.
Kathy Cary, chef-owner, Lilly’s: A Kentucky Bistro
His visit was cooked up between Lilly’s Kathy Cary and a college classmate who met Larrue during a culinary tour in France. Knowing Cary’s fondness for France and easy kinship with other chefs, the friend suggested bringing Laurre to the U.S. for a stop in Louisville. Cary loved the idea.
“We used to celebrate (Lilly’s) anniversary each year by doing a week of French foods, but now we’re bringing a famous French chef in instead,” Cary said. Larrue’s visit will include cooking classes as well as special prix fixe Provençal-style menus served in Lilly’s dining room. “I’ve never had a chef give cooking classes in my kitchen—ever!,” Cary said. “I’ve only had visiting chefs doing events in my kitchen.”
