Nurture Your Garden, Embrace Farm-to-Table with our Cooking School

Chef Eric: From Soil to Stove, a Life Devoted to Real Food

Chef Eric is not your average chef. With over 40 years of experience in French kitchens, his culinary journey began in some of the most prestigious catering houses in Paris, including the iconic Dalloyau, famed for its historic excellence in French patisserie and luxury cuisine. He also cooked for High Nobles Tables, spending many years in the service of His Grace, the 11th Duke of Beaufort, where he mastered the art of refined, traditional French dining at the highest level.

But over time, Chef Eric chose a different path, a return to simplicity, authenticity, and deep connection with the food he prepares. He stepped away from the grandeur of elite banquets to pursue something more grounded: real food, grown with care and cooked with purpose. His passion led him to study permaculture, diving into the science of soil health, the principles of regenerative gardening, and how to create sustainable ecosystems that feed both body and soul.

For Chef Eric, the belief is simple: “You are what you eat.” No matter how skilled the chef, a recipe can only shine if the ingredients are honest and fresh. In a world where supermarket shelves are packed with ultra-processed goods and unclear labels, he teaches his students to be mindful read every label, avoid unnecessary additives, and eat as close to nature as possible.

The Farm-to-Table Way: A Lifestyle, Not a Trend

At The Walnut Grove Cookery School, nestled between Normandy and Brittany, the farm-to-table philosophy isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life. Set in the heart of the French countryside, the school is surrounded by fertile land that Chef Eric has cultivated with the same care he gives to his cooking.

Seasonality is the cornerstone of his teaching. Whether it's sweet peas in spring, ripe tomatoes in summer, or earthy pumpkins in the autumn, students learn to cook with what's growing right outside the kitchen. This approach nurtures creativity, you learn to adapt, to create with what nature provides, and to truly respect every ingredient.

The farm itself is an integral part of the experience. Beyond rows of vegetables and herbs, it’s home to a small but lively collection of animals. Chickens roam freely, providing a daily supply of fresh, golden-yolked eggs, perfect for creamy custards, rustic tarts, or a simple omelette made the French way. There's even gentle goats grazing nearby, a nod to self-sufficiency and the pastoral charm that makes the place so unique. Everything on the property plays a role in Chef Eric’s ecosystem, from the pollinating bees in his hives to the firewood he chops from his own forest.

Speaking of which, another unique element students love: Chef Eric’s traditional wood stove oven. He teaches how to cook with fire, a slower, more instinctive way of preparing food that connects you to the craft and brings a deeply authentic flavor to every dish. Whether the power is on or off, the kitchen never stops.

The Cooking School Experience: Hands in the Soil, Heart in the Kitchen

At The Walnut Grove Cookery School, guided by Chef Eric, you’ll make everything from scratch, traditional French recipes, hearty country breads, delicate pastries, slow-cooked stews, and classic French sauces that have stood the test of time.

This is not just a place to learn recipes, it’s a place to learn a philosophy.

Chef Eric teaches with warmth, humor, and a deep respect for tradition, creating a welcoming space where students of all levels can grow their confidence and creativity. His approach blends technique with intuition, helping you develop not just skills, but a way of seeing and working with food that’s rooted in joy and mindfulness.

Come Cook with Chef Eric

If you’re looking to escape the rush of modern life and rediscover food in its purest form, The Walnut Grove Cookery School invites you to experience something truly special.

Come cook with Chef Eric, a master of traditional French cuisine and a passionate advocate for nature, sustainability, and good living. With decades of experience behind him, he offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a chef who has seen it all, from Parisian noble tables to rustic farmhouse kitchens, and chosen the path of purpose and authenticity.

Enroll here to be part our next cooking classes !

Fun, nature, good food, and unforgettable memories, come and experience it all at The Walnut Grove Cookery School.

Bon appétit, et à très bientôt !