L’Aperitif
On July
25th 1846 Napoleon’s brother Joseph died in Florence Italy. The word
spread quickly all the way up to the family owned Chateau Mardefond. Sadly the
family could not afford to keep the help, so they had to let go of all the
workers in the chateau. Everyone thought that the best chance to get a new job,
was to go south and try to find fortune on the vibrant city of Paris; everyone
except two interesting fellas.
Gaston
Retif was the cheese-maker at the chateau. Driven by passion he was always on
the lookout for beautiful girls, and anything that would complement his most
recent delicious dairy creation.
On the
same path, heading north, Gaston found himself walking right next to Francois
Laper, the well renowned winemaker. It was the first time in 20 years that he had
left his winery in the Chateau’s basement. Francois had the art winemaking down
to the last grape, yet, he had never tried a single drop in his life. He was
extremely organized and methodical – “One place for everything, and everything
in its own place” he used to say. Never taking any risks . . .never, until
today. Gaston and Francois saw each other and without a word started walking
down the same path.
When they
reached the Somme River, they both thought it was a good time and place to have
dinner. The food was cold but the discussion got heated really fast. Gaston
thought Francois was a blend person for just eating a carefully sliced carrot,
and Francois could not bear the blend of hand handled ingredient sin Gaston’s
sandwich. Just as they were going to drop heir meals and get ready to rumble,
someone screamed, “HELP!” from the other side of the river.
They both
blasted away to rescue the helpless Camille from the horde of barbarians. The
barbarians were chased out, but little did our friends know, for the captain of
this group they just chased was the son of Otto Grandmanos the Barbaric leader
of northern France and south Belgium.
As a
token of appreciation, Camille invited Francois and Gaston over for dinner at
her father’s house in the small town of Lacenna.
The town
used to be a joyful place, but ever since the barbarians came into the scene,
everyone kept to himself or herself. Gaston and Francois brought happiness back
to the people of Lacenna. The soil
produced a new kind of grapes that Francois had never seen before. He was
making his best concoctions yet. There were not only cows but also goats and
buffalos, which lead to new fantastic creations from Gaston. However, the real reason for them staying in
Lacenna - even though Francois would not
admit to it- was to conquer Camille’s heart.
The peace
lasted only a few days, for the Barbarians came back to retaliate for the
humiliation of Otto’s son. Lead by Camille, fired by Gaston and organized by
Francois, the town of Lacenna decided to
stand against the Barbarians.
It was an
Epic battle and the town of Lacenna had an overwhelming triumph. That is why in
memory of this epic battle, every day, just before dinner, the people of
Lacenna gather together and share tales of their own, amidst delicious cheese
confections and smooth wine. The town
decided to merge Gaston’s and Francois’ last names. Thus this special treat
receives the warm term of L’aperitif.
Rafael
Bencosme
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