Good by Louisville I'm moving to France.

No just kidding. I was accepted at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris for their intensive culinary program that I going to be taking in split sections starting November this year for 6 weeks and then 2 more sections next year. Sorry I'm just so exited that I have to tell everybody. Fernando.

Fernando that's great congratulations

Congratulations, Fernando! I would assume you are teaching? Either way enjoy Paris! Way to go!

Thanks Ed but I'm actually learning I feel that I have so much to learn, that’s why I'm doing this. I can wait men. I'm also trying to go to Barcelona and do a stage over there. Can you tell that I'm obsessed with food? I have never been In Europe so this is a dream come true. Any suggestion for good bistro food in Paris?Fernando

Thank you Fred. I can wait men. Fernando.

Thank you Fred. I can wait men. Fernando.

Can you fit me in one of your suitcases??? I dig Paris and would love to go back.....Congrats!

Let's go David. I never been so I'm ready. Fernando.

Hey Fernando,
We will miss you... what an awesome opportunity! Le Cordon Bleu, and ...Barcelona eh?......
I wonder what the wait list is looking like for El Bulli these days?

Will Christina get to visit? I hope so... for your sake.LOL

I will ask the manager of our French office (Jean Charles) for a recommendation or two.
My feet just take me there, I do not remember the names.

Bon Appetit!

Thanks Ed but I'm actually learning I feel that I have so much to learn that’s why I'm doing this. I can wait men. I'm also trying to go to Barcelona and do a stage over there. Can you tell that I'm obsessed with food? I have never been In Europe so this is a dream come true. Any suggestion for good bistro food in Paris?Fernando

Oh man - sounds like a blast. Congratulations!

Before you go, you might consider reading My Life in France by Julia Child. She has a chapter or two on her experience at Le Cordon Bleu - fascinating stuff.

Here are three restaurants that were recommended to us by others (including one from our forum administrator):

-Mon Vieil Ami (located on Ile St. Louis almost literally in the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral)

-L'Absinthe (near the Louvre and Opera House)

-Clos de Gourmet

I don't think you'd characterize these as bistros, but they weren't Michelin starred places ($$$) either. My favorite of the three was Mon Vieil Ami.

Thank you Heather. Last thing I read about El Bulli I think the wait list was like a year in advance. I'm sending letters to Different restaurants in Spain including El Bulli, but getting a stage there is like wining the lottery. I'm also sending letters to Can fabes, Mugaritz, Arzak, El celler de can rocas all this Michelin starred restaurants. I also have a friend staging over there and he is going to help me so when I finish at Le Cordon Bleu I can go there. Cristina is joining me in March when I have to go back to Paris and she is taking wine classes at Le Cordon Blue also. Wish me luck. Fernando.

Thank you so much Jay I report when I get back. I still have a few month to wait but I can even sleep of how exited I'm. Fernando.

Conrgats to you! You have a head start, because you have that natural gift of passion and love for food. Fernando have a great time. I was able to visit paris last year, and let me tell you brother, it was amazing! I highly recomend L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, it is one of my most favorite dining experiences. Fernando, it's kind of a tapas style place. Everyone sits at the bar and watches their food being prepared. It really is a must see place. Put it on your list. Oue viva la cocina latina y buen provecho! Anthony

Congrats my friend!!!! I'm so glad I stopped by to see you yesterday. Good Luck...I know that you will excel in your endevours. I hope that you can bring a bit of what you are looking for, back here, for all of us chef types and everyone else(the dining public)to taste and savor.

Fernando,

That's awesome!! Congratulations! I know that it is a dream come true for you and we couldn't be happier!!
Good things happen to good people and you and Cristina are the best!
Can't wait to taste your creations once you are back!

Linda & Mark

[Robin Garr]

Sorry I'm just so exited that I have to tell everybody. Fernando.

You scared us, Fernando!

Allow me to add my congratulations to the rest. I know you'll have a wonderful time, and we all look forward to hearing your stories from over there. Maybe you can find an Internet Cafe and check the forum every now and then!