Kookstudio Franse Stap
Enter the doors of a beautiful old building in the center of
The Hague, Netherlands, and you become immersed in a unique culinary experience that is very refined and very, very French. At the Franse Stap (French Step) Cookery Studio, Chef Eric-Jan Fransen reigns as the culinary king of this luxurious kitchen. His passion for cooking, his many years of experience and his love for French cuisine come together in a unique educational concept where students learn hands-on the art and traditions of French cuisine, characterized by its extreme diversity. “The techniques taught at Franse Stap,” says Fransen, “require only two conditions . . . honesty and quality. Everything is possible! Experience in cooking is actually not that important . . . passion and pleasure are!” Eric-Jan is an enthusiastic user of the Big Green Egg because it offers him so many options and unique characteristics that work well with his cooking style. “I see the Big Green Egg as an extension of my kitchen — a complete cooking system all in one. My immediate reaction to working with it was Wow! The possibilities are virtually limitless! Because you have ultimate control over the temperature, it’s also ideal for cooking techniques such as those used for delicate fish and shellfish. And, thanks to the ability to cook low and slow, it’s also fantastic at roasting large pieces of meat until they are completely tender. The dishes 36
BIG GREEN EGG
are cooked perfectly and have a subtle smoky flavour. Everyone is surprised that such wonderful recipes can be made on what they think is just a ‘barbecue’ or a ‘kamado.’ The Big Green Egg, of course, is much, much more than that. It’s also convenient — you need only one load of charcoal for an entire evening of cooking!” “Another important aspect,” shares Eric-Jan, “has to do with fun. The Big Green Egg offers such a pure culinary experience! During our cookery lessons, the participants always want to try out the different techniques used. We use a Mini inside and a Medium outside in the courtyard ... people really enjoy cooking outside together and watching the cooking actually happen. It’s a sight you see increasingly often — this special cooker known as the Big Green Egg. This culinary phenomenon has many fans, from hobby cooks to top chefs, all of whom are embracing this unique concept on an international scale. We work with only the best products. This philosophy fits our pure way of working where the passion for cooking is central and the cuisine comes into its own. It’s no wonder that the Big Green Egg has become a very welcome guest at cookery schools and workshops.” The Big Green Egg has always been known for being equally appealing to experienced chefs, backyard grillers and beginners alike — and at Kookstudio Franse Stap that is put into practice every day.