Today's theme is French cuisine.

Henna found out that Sir François had hired Mr. Pierre, the chef of Bridgetown's most famous French restaurant, to visit the farm yesterday.

This morning, Carmen inquired again from the Governor of Carlyle that this Monsieur Pierre was from Alsace.

This says a lot.

The cuisine of French cuisine varies depending on the region.

The Alsace-Lorraine region is close to the Champagne region, and is influenced by Amani's food culture, which favors the German style of food in the side dishes, makes good use of pork, and rarely has seafood, which is very different from the traditional French cuisine in other regions that is long in beef and various types of seafood.

This is in line with the common problem of all sailors in the world, who once they leave the ship, they hate seafood.

French cuisine in the Champagne region is naturally suitable for Champagne. It was with the chef in mind that Lorraine chose Pinot Noir as a gift.

He had no intention of currying favor with Nelson, but was merely invited to a banquet, and it was always the duty of the guest to have a proper heart, so that the host of the banquet would be psychologically satisfied.

After the pleasantries, the two took their female companions into the side hall and sat comfortably around a fireplace that may have never been lit.

The servant of the house quickly brought a light red liqueur and a small plate of olives, and Mademoiselle François whispered a few words in Nelson's ear, who smiled and nodded.

"Mr. Drake, this is the farm's own liqueur, made with brandy as a base, infused with cherries, pine nuts, a local herb called abaku, several spices, goldenrod and whipped cream, drained of impurities, and finally added to the estate's cane sugar." He raised his glass and said to Lorraine, "Taste it." ”

Lorraine took a shallow sip, and the thick liquor slid down his throat, glowing sweet and fragrant, but only a very shallow wine taste, which made the mouth and tongue long.

"Perfect taste, Lieutenant Colonel, for the first time I know that dining with the Puritans can taste the best wine in the world."

"It's thanks to you."

The two looked at each other and smiled. Lorraine put down the wine glass and crossed her legs: "Lieutenant Colonel, I didn't leave an address when I delivered the letter." I'm curious that you've gone to such great lengths to find me. ”

"Just a simple thanks." Nelson looked at Lorraine, "You have sent me important news, poor Uncle Maurice has unfortunately passed away. ”

"Morris...... Uncle? ”

"Uncle Odillan's brother, my guide in the Navy, Maurice. Uncle Shaklin. He has always taken good care of me, and without his help, I wouldn't be where I am today. ”

"Condolences and change." Lorraine raised an eyebrow, "Mr. Shacklin asked me to bring this news to you, not through the post office...... I think he wants you to be prepared and seek a way out. ”

"You're right." Nelson sighed regretfully, "Uncle Morris was the family's pillar in the Navy, and his passing had a great impact on Shacklin and Nelson. I have a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders now, but luckily, I got Peter ahead of schedule. Sir Parker's appreciation, God is still bless us. ”

"Peter. Sir Parker? Admiral of the New World Fleet? ”

"So you've heard of him, too." Nelson was slightly excited, "You know what? I was originally on the Continental Fleet in Bermuda with the Lostoft, but I was only the second officer on the ship, and I was not given any opportunity to perform. But this year, the time is coming. ”

"A Rear Admiral with the same surname as you was transferred from the Channel Fleet to the New World Fleet, and Sir Parker entrusted him with the Bermuda Naval Base and made him Admiral of the Continental Fleet."

"With the addition of a third-class ship, the strength of the Continental Fleet suddenly became excessive, and the Lostoft was transferred back to Kingston, and I was able to be discovered by Sir Parker's discernment, transferred to the flagship, and soon transferred to the Badger, and became the captain."

Lorraine listened with a strange expression: "You said that a rear admiral with the same surname as me is the admiral of the continental fleet?" He's on a third-class ship? ”

"Do you know that gentleman?"

"He's not called Shaq. Drake, his flagship ...... Isn't it HMS Lion? ”

Even Nelson had a sense of irony: "It seems that you really know Admiral Drake." ”

"It's not just ...... acquaintance," Lorraine raised her glass, covering her face with the gesture of drinking, "He's my good brother." ”

"You ...... Is it a brother? ”

"Half-father, half-mother." Lorraine had returned to normalcy and was smiling again, "So, he's now in charge of locking down the North American continent?" ”

"From Baltimore to Boston, the entire coast of North America is under his control."

"It's really a high authority, and it's a ...... on the rise"

The topic is at an impasse, and Lorraine struggles to digest this important unexpected information, while Nelson is completely unaware of what is happening.

Luckily, Lorraine brought Carmen with her.

The clever counsellor immediately took over the conversation, and without a trace provoked Mademoiselle François to talk about fashion.

The two ladies chatted happily, and Nelson couldn't interject for a moment, so he ignored Lorraine's eccentricity and waited for the restaurant to open.

Nearly an hour later, the servant entered the door and invited the group to the table, and Lorraine and Nelson exchanged pleasantries before entering the dining room side by side.

The four of them sat down, and the servants served the food.

Alsatian French cuisine is truly unique, with the classic orange foie gras as the appetizer on the jelly.

The lightly charred foie gras is mixed with orange juice and olive oil, and the sweet and sour taste of the previous rich and sweet liqueur is also appetizing.

The soup is an authentic bouillabaisse with a rich and fragrant lobster shell that is ground into a fine powder that is difficult to see with the naked eye, mixed with cream and puree.

The hot appetizer is cheese-baked snails, farmed romance snails cooked with garlic and butter for a tender and melt-in-your-mouth finish.

The fish is basil salmon puree.

Sailors don't like to eat fish on land, so the chef makes slices of cake out of salmon puree, preserving the French tradition while taking care of the needs of the diners to the fullest.

After eating the salmon, the hearty starter ends.

Lorraine gently wiped the corners of her mouth with a dining cloth, thanked the chef for coming to say hello, and presented a gold pound as a reward for the meal.

The chef stepped back and the meal came.

The fifth course is Alsatian German sauerkraut with sausage, complemented by the fine red wine of Château Lafite.

The hot dish was braised chicken in red wine, which further enhanced the meatiness of the whole dinner and satisfied Lorraine's appetite.

After the hot plate, the dish tends to be lighter, and the red wine is removed and replaced with Pinot Noir champagne brought by Lorraine, accompanied by crispy frozen shrimp chips, which immediately clarifies the mouth and activates the taste buds.

The sorbet is coming.

Fresh Barbados mangoes are frozen until they freeze, ground into sand, and served on the table after half-melting, similar to the ice cream of later generations, but without the creaminess of milk, only the sweet aroma of the fruit.

After that, it is an Alsatian specialty, which is made into a vegetable salad with hops and chicory, giving diners plenty of time to communicate and laugh, quench their thirst.

Once again, the chef came to the restaurant to greet the diners, and this time Carmen gave a tip, still a gold pound, and the guests and hosts were happy to open the end.

The final dish is much simpler, the vegetables are the famous French dish strawberry cucumber, fragrant, sweet and crisp, ready for the next French cheese.

Cheese is a dessert, followed by a savory sodend.

Baguettes cut into small pieces, glued with bacon and cottage cheese and buttered as the staple of the day, finished with a round cake from Alsace, where raisins, redcurrants and almonds are the last to be remembered throughout the evening, sweet and satisfying.

Full of wine and food, chatting late into the night.

Lorraine looked at the sky and decided to take his leave, but Nelson drove him out, and before he could board the carriage, he suddenly stopped him again.

"Mr. Drake."

Lorraine was stunned for a moment and turned around, and suddenly showed a clear smile: "It seems that you still have a place to use again, Mr. Lieutenant Colonel." ”

Nelson's face was cramped.

"Mr. Drake, Uncle Odilan has written to you with great admiration for your bravery, wisdom, skill, and trust."

"He's got a prize."

"I don't think he's overrated." Nelson looked at Lorraine, his pale blue eyes glowing faintly in the night, "As I said before, I have been appreciated by Sir Parker. ”

"Yes, you did."

"But Uncle Morse has gone to heaven after all, and even for the sake of the family, I must be meritorious."

Lorraine smiled faintly: "You are an excellent soldier, and it is your duty to grab meritorious deeds. ”

Unmoved, Nelson said solemnly: "I am patrolling the Mosquito Coast, and I have exterminated two pirates. With Sir Parker's help, such feats were enough to help me get promoted, not only to be promoted to colonel, but also to change ships, a more combat-ready warship that could carry more sailors, such as ...... Cruiser. ”

"Then I should congratulate you in advance." Lorraine shrugged, "It's a pity I still haven't heard what you need from me, sir." ”

"Colonel promoted to Major General!" Nelson said firmly, "This is not an easy step, I need to take risks, but as far as I know, the governors of the West Indies are mostly content with the status quo, and it is difficult for me to help." ”

"What do you mean ......"

"What if! I mean if. Nelson took a deep breath, "Can I ask you for help when I need it?" ”

"Mercenaries?"

"I know you're a privateer, and it's not just the beautiful ladies you know Governor Carlisle." Nelson bowed to Carmen, "I remember that privateers were originally obligated to assist in naval conquests, but I don't want to tie you down now. ”

"But you don't rule out binding me with obligations, do you?"

"Yes."

Nelson's posture was full of aggression, and Lorraine saw that there was no possibility of avoiding the question, so she simply closed her eyes and began to think about the benefits and disadvantages of this invitation.

He couldn't have worked for Nelson unconditionally.

Even if privateer merchants were obliged to assist the navy, only the few lieutenant admirals of the various fleets were qualified to issue summoning orders.

As for Nelson...... Now he is far from qualified.

Since Nelson can't threaten himself, is he helping or not helping in this matter?

After a long time, Lorraine opened his eyes: "I want to establish a chamber of commerce in the Caribbean, which requires Peter. Sir Parker's approval also needed the help of a young man who was familiar with all aspects and was well versed in finance and management. ”

"I will be waiting for you in Port Royal in Kingston in half a month, and everything you want will be fulfilled there."

"I seem to be starting to like you." Lorraine happily held out her hand, "Congratulations, you've managed to get a trusted ally." ”

"That's why I picked you, Lorraine. Mr. Drake. Nelson shook Lorraine's hand hard and whispered, "Hopefully...... We were able to work happily together. ”