St. Francis Inn - Preparing for the Holidays
Leigh Cort Publicity
904-806-3613
leighc@aug.com
Representing: St. Francis Inn
St. Augustine, Florida
“Preparing for the Holidays in the Oldest City”
Chef Plans Menus for the Upcoming Holiday Season
St. Augustine, Florida (September 2007) There is a peacefulness throughout the narrow, brick-paved streets in America’s oldest city as the St. Francis Inn’s Chef Gary Douylliez reflects on what life might have been during its 566 years of history. He’s planning ahead for the holiday season, knowing that the Inn guests enjoy his Southern-inspired breakfasts and social hour hors d’oeuvres…but for the holidays he begins cooking with Fall fruits (pears & apples) and serving heartier cool weather signature specialties.
The St. Francis Inn (circa 1791) in historic St. Augustine has the distinction of being the ‘oldest inn in America’s oldest city’. Yet it has a young chef who brings exuberance to the breakfast table daily with his enthusiasm and down-home culinary talents. Douylliez (doo-yay) understands that bed & breakfast guests focus a lot of their attention on the breakfast side of their vacation, as well as the overall experience and accommodations. “I want our guests to enjoy this special time away, so I build my menus on Southern hospitality, old-world tradition and surprise”.
Preparing a colorful, nutritious and tantalizing buffet breakfast for the 17-room inn isn’t the only reason Gary begins his day cooking at 5:30am. “When guests are enjoying their breakfast buffet, I get pleasure from coming into the dining room and talking food. I grew up in my Mother’s and Grandmother’s kitchens and this is where I’m comfortable.” Gary’s high-spirited warmth and genuine interest in his food and guest’s pleasure drives him to being flexible and planning for the unknown each day. “When you know the number of breakfast guests, it’s a little easier to plan ahead.”
Growing up with a family that loves to cook and eat, Gary’s icons of cooking weren’t just in his home. He pays tribute to Paula Dean (for her Southern charm and comfort food), Emeril (for his flair) and of course Julia Child (for sharing the roots of fine cooking). What better reason for travelers to settle in to this inn than to savor his passion: baking! From a ‘mean carrot cake’ to white chocolate raspberry torte, guests start their day in St. Augustine with a meal that is prepared from scratch. What could satisfy better than Tropical Pear French Toast!
The St. Francis Inn – an oasis of serenity – just steps from the excitement of downtown St. Augustine!
St. Francis Inn
279 St. George Street
St. Augustine, Fl 32084
904-824-6068
www.stfrancisinn.com
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Tropical Pear French Toast
Pear Sauce
3 T. Butter
½ C. Packed Brown Sugar
½ C. Orange Juice
½ C. Pineapple Juice
¼ t. Ground Ginger
2 Ripe Pears, cored and thinly sliced
½ C. Chopped Pecans
French Toast
½ C. Milk
3 Eggs
½ t. Vanilla Extract
½ t. Cinnamon, ground
6 Slices French Bread or Texas Toast
Pear Sauce:
Melt butter in skillet; add sugar and stir until melted. Stir in orange juice, pineapple juice and ginger; boil until slightly syrupy. Add pears; turn to coat. Boil until slightly syrupy. Cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes or just until pears are tender. Serve over prepared French Toast, garnish with chopped pecans.
French Toast:
Combine milk, eggs, vanilla and cinnamon; beat well. Dip bread into egg mixture, coat both sides, cook in buttered skillet or griddle until golden brown on both sides.
Enjoy!
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