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 In June 2007,
I spent a month in Lausanne, working on a short project for an international
company. I consider myself extremely lucky to have met Brigitte, during
the first week of my stay in Switzerland, through some Greek friends
who live in Switzerland.When Brigitte explained to me her “coaching
concept”, I was thrilled. This was exactly what I needed. Although I
use to live on my own for very long, cooking has always been one tricky
area. I never knew how to invite friends, business partners or family
at home without having to get organised at least a week in advance.
This was, now, out of question. The project had very tight deadlines,
and working closely with a few business partners till late hours, was
frequent. Only a couple days after I first met Brigitte, we agreed in
a specially designated for me “coaching package”. This included shopping
coaching, simple & quick menu cooking & especially good organisation
and best use of products. I would have never imagined how, after only
very few meetings, I was already feeling comfortable, inviting my partners
at home for dinners and work. This was the end of my feeling of embarassement
at home and into the kitchen. I suddenly felt at easy presenting a simple
pasta dish, a nice quiche or a braised beef with spicy sauces. There
are not enough thank you words for this. Now, back in Greece, I hope
Brigitte will accept my invitation to come and do a nice coaching seminar
in Athens to a couple of small groups of friends.”
Helena (Athens,Greece)
Having known
Brigitte for many years both professionally and personally, I quickly
realized what a passion she has for food. She makes everything look
so easy and taste fantastic! I have had the good fortunate of her cooking
for me on many occasions. Each time the meal was very different, yet
so wonderful. Her choice of fresh ingredients (in season of course)
accompanied by her extra special touches of how she sets the table and
makes one feel so comfortable, made each meal so memorable.
By just watching Brigitte I was able to learn techniques that I never
would have discovered on my own. While I don't consider myself a novice
cook, I certainly felt like I had a lot to learn from Brigitte! The
breadth of her culinary knowledge is amazing, yet she makes everything
very attainable. Although I live in the US, I still call her for advice
on what to do with leftovers, minimal ingredients or seasonal ingredients
- I am never disappointed! In moments she can create an entire menu
for a dinner party!
I have also had the good luck to visit some markets in Lausanne with
Brigitte. She patiently helped me pick out cheeses and other delicacies
to take back home. With each purchase, she explained wines, teas, or
other accompaniments to serve with my purchases. My "souvenirs"
turned into fabulous new memories I created with friends back home.
Whenever I cook a dish that Brigitte has made for me, I fondly think
of her and what a great memory she created for me. I hope she helps
you do the same.
Cass (Minneapolis, MN)
I have had
the joy of Brigitte Streiff cooking for me on many occasions. She is
so passionate about good food and fresh ingredients that I realized
I could learn so much by just watching! Each time she would prepare
a meal, we would have what was for me an adventure, to the market, then
off for special fromage, then special chocolate, and even the right
wine. Not to mention, her sending me to the garden for the freshest
herbs she had grown! I am really a novice cook, so even imagining that
I could cook something as delicious as my favorite dish "Brigitte's
Risotto" seemed unlikely. But Brigitte insisted that I learn (maybe
so she could stop making it every time I came), and she showed me how
with great patience and care. When I cooked her risotto for the first
time for my husband, he could not believe that I made it. Each time
I prepare this for family, or friends, or just for a weekend night,
everyone loves it and eats way too much. It always makes me smile to
see their reaction when I tell them the story behind the risotto. My
thanks to Brigitte for coaching me, encouraging me, and for sharing
her passion with me.
Janine (California, USA)
"Parole
profumi colori sapori, un viaggio che parte da esperienze concrete,
da piccoli dettagli, da ricordi di un tempo passato, da un energia dirompente
di novità in un eleganza circoscritta da un atto amicale ed un
atmosfera familiare. Difficile tradurre un esperienza che tocca i cinque
sensi attaverso qualche fredda parola. Cosa è più sorprendente
in tutto ciò? Non è importante da che paese tu possa venire,
che basi culinaree tu possa avere, che lingua tu possa parlare..., Brigitte
ha la capacità di accoglierti (anche se sei da te...) prenderti
per mano e condurti in un percorso cognitivo che ti fà vivere
e scoprire un mondo, una nicchia, una ricetta e sorprenderti il giorno
dopo quando ti accorgi di non solo saperla ripetere ma averla capita,
vissuta e trasformata in linguaggio e senso.
Ma attenzione con Brigitte non si scherza..., riesce
a trasmettere e a far apprendere con un sorriso la disciplina di un
arte che parte non dalla materia prima ma dalla conoscenza della persona
che la vende.
Perchè, si.. "le materie prime non sono altro
che figli del loro padrone e padre" e Brigitte ha la capacità
di capire entrambe fartele conoscere e toccare e trasmetterti i parametri
per valutarle e sceglierle.
Brigitte sa sorprenderti, te la trovi affianco a te,
gomito a gomito, capace non di indottrinarti attraverso la ripetizione
di una sterile e fredda ricetta che scende dall'alto di un libro, ma
di trasmetterti il gesto, il movimento, di tradurre la tua persona ed
origine nell'introduzione di una spezia od ingrediente nuovo più
vicino alle tue origini per reinventare un sapore che avevi dimenticato
da tempo.
Capire attraverso i sensi, nell'atto empirico del gustare,
del predisporre, dell'apprendere dai propri sbagli imparando a corregerli.
Un amica al tuo fianco con cui hai solo voglia di condividere
nei giorni che vengono le tue scoperte ed innovazioni o i tuoi più
grossolani errori, proprio come condividi giornalmente con un'amico/amica
gli accadimenti normali della vita di tutti i giorni, il libro che hai
letto, il film che hai visto bello o brutto che sia.
Quindi si! "Che le danze si aprano! Che il "Gusto"
della vita entri nella tui giorni...""
Marco (Lausanne, Suisse)
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