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La Ruchotte – High Cuisine On A French Farm

We knew that we were in for a unique experience when a billy goat greeted us upon our arrival at the stone gate of La Ruchotte.

We had left our charming Bed and Breakfast in Chaudenay after just one night. The transient nature of our vacation in France was causing us to question our judgment as we searched for the farm through the drizzling rain and increasing darkness of the sunset.

There was no Internet access whatsoever, and we were hesitant to call the farm due to the anticipated language barrier.

Bligny Sur Ouche, the village listed on La Ruchotte’s masthead, was simple enough to find and, once we arrived in the center of town, we even managed to locate a small sign that pointed to the farm. But, by the third wrong turn, we felt ready to give up. We finally figured out the error in our direction and managed to arrive just before dinner

Outside of the Farm at La Ruchotte in France
Outside of the Farm | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Our hosts, Frédéric and Eva Ménager, warmly welcomed us. They showed us to our well-appointed accommodations and then led us to the kitchen where Chef Frederic was preparing an extraordinary meal.

The distinctive 13th-century farmhouse contains only one guest room. At first glance, we could tell that the room oozed with character, not to mention a flat-screen tv, comfortable bed and a big bathtub. That all being said, the experience was all about the food.

Inside the Farm at La Ruchotte in France
Inside the Farm | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Frederic, a successful chef in Paris and Burgundy, worked with famed chefs Alain Chapel, Philipe Jousse and Pierre Gagnaire. He and Eva bought the farm ten years ago, where they now raise two sons and various chickens, goats and pigs.

Article about La Ruchotte in France
Image: ©2foodtrippers

They also grow fruits and run a part-time restaurant, primarily serving weekend lunches. Additionally, they serve weeknight dinners for large groups. However, we were the only diners this night.

Chef at Work at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Chef at Work | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Although we are quite lucky to have friends in Philadelphia who are amazing chefs, it was a special treat to have a chef of this caliber prepare a four-course dinner just for us. And what a dinner it was!

Mushrooms at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Future First Course | Image: ©2foodtrippers

As we watched Frederic skillfully prepare our dinner, we perused the small yet unique wine list featuring wines of the region.

Wine at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Wine | Image: ©2foodtrippers

We selected a 2001 Saint Romain Meursault from Domaine Rougeot to compliment the meal. It was a great choice.

Excited for Dinner at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Excited for Dinner | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Dinner At La Ruchotte

First course was poached eggs over girolle mushrooms and a savory broth. And bread – crusty, homemade, delicious bread.

Poached Egg over Girolles at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Poached Egg Over Girolles | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Delicious Bread at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Delicious Bread | Image: ©2foodtrippers
View from our Dinner Table at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
View from our Dinner Table | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Since Frederic is famous for raising heirloom chickens, we were initially disappointed to have rabbit for the second course – until we tasted the rabbit. Frederic skillfully deboned and pan-roasted the rabbit and served it with caramelized shallots and squash.

And, of course, we ate more bread.

Rabbit in the Pan at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Rabbit in the Pan | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Rabbit on the Plate at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Rabbit on the Plate | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Next, we enjoyed fresh goat cheese (chevre) from a neighboring farm. And, yes, there was more bread.

Chevre at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Chevre | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Dessert At La Ruchotte

Finally, the last course was a Mirabelle (little plum) tart. As an extra treat, Frederic poured us each a tasty Marc de Bourgogne digestif.

Mirabelle Tart at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Mirabelle Tart | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Dessert at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Yum! | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Marc de Bourgogne Digestif at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Marc de Bourgogne Digestif | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Satisfied Diner at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Satisfied Diner | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Discover the best French desserts and pastries.

Sleeping At La Ruchotte

Although the dinner was the highlight of our visit, we slept like babies in our attic suite. The decor was super tasteful, the bed was comfortable and the aforementioned bathtub rocked.

Attic Bedroom at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Attic Bedroom | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Stairway from Attic Bedroom at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Stairway from Attic Bedroom | Image: ©2foodtrippers

We were sad to wake up to a steady rain that would last the entire day, as it meant that we were unable to explore the farm and see the animals up close.

Breakfast At La Ruchotte

Our disappointment was alleviated when Frederic served us a simple yet hearty breakfast of fried eggs, homemade bread, jams, butter, fresh goat cheese, coffee and courant juice.

Ready for Breakfast at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Ready for Breakfast | Image: ©2foodtrippers

The bread, butter and goat cheese were welcome repeats from dinner. Not that we’re complaining.

Breakfast Time at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Breakfast Time | Image: ©2foodtrippers

We chatted with our gracious host before we left for our drive to Beaujolais. We talked about the farm, restaurants, travel and more. As we drove away, we agreed to return within the next five years and to stay for several nights.

Daryl and Frederic at La Ruchotte in Burgundy France
Daryl and Frederic | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Hopefully, we’ll get to taste the chicken next time.

La Ferme de La Ruchotte is located at La Ruchotte, 21360 Bligny-sur-Ouche, France.

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About The Authors

About The Authors

Daryl & Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers their unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.

Funding
We self-funded our stay at La Ruchotte.

Original Publication Date: October 24, 2012

huntcollectdream

Friday 2nd of November 2012

Fantastic Mindi and Daryl, what a find. Thanks for the amazing report. Amy

huntcollectdream

Friday 2nd of November 2012

What a find this place sounds like. Fantastic reading and photos.

Linda Rosen

Wednesday 31st of October 2012

It is very uplifting to follow your expierences on this trip. Thank you for sharing the pictures and time you spend writing this Blog,

Ménager Fred

Monday 29th of October 2012

Merci pour les magnifiques photos, un bon souvenir votre passage... A bientôt. Thank you

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Monday 29th of October 2012

Merci beaucoup, Chef! We hope to be back soon.

Robert Cohen

Thursday 25th of October 2012

I went to a beefsteak last night, so I didn't salivate too much but it looked great.

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