The Chimes

“You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits…your only limit is your soul.” (Auguste Gusteau, Ratatouille, 2007)

Such were the words that inspired the Abbot's Autumn menu on 20 May, as guests converged upon the New Norcia Hostel for another fine meal at the hands of our Abbot Chef (also our Chief!). The fine and flavourful ratatouille was a soothing accompaniment to the pan-fried lamb French cutlets, in parmesan, pistachio and herb crust, with snow-pea purée, honey-mustard cream, and crispy fried potatoes with garlic and gin salt – the Plat Principal of the superlative six-course banquet.

Here's what the Abbot had to say...

It will come as no surprise to you that watching television is not a big part of a monk’s life, so much so that it’s taken me sixteen years to catch up with the Disney-Pixar computer animated film Ratatouille.

In the world of monastic life in which one is often engaged in rather serious reading in one’s search for God, it is somewhat refreshing from time-to-time to read a novel or watch something light-hearted. When it comes to matters of the human heart, humour is indeed just as important as humility, and even in a whacky film such as Ratatouille, in which a rat sets out to prove he can cook just as well as the great chefs of Paris, there are often hidden messages of wisdom.

Apart from the central theme “Anyone can cook!” this tale provides some essential ‘food for thought’ about discrimination, limitations, aspirations, identity, relationships, team work and trust. It demonstrates that in whatever walk of life we find ourselves, we all have an integral role to play. Moreover, whether it be in the monastery, the kitchen, the office, the sports team, the family home, we are mutually bound to call each other into that role.

With all this talk about ratatouille, it made good sense to include this classic dish on this evening’s menu. Coincidently, the secret to a successful ratatouille relies firstly on cooking each vegetable separately, to bring out its unique flavour, before cooking them all together to form one harmonious dish. We hope you’ll enjoy our version of it, and that your hearts will be cheered by the sharing of food, wine, conversation…and don’t forget to throw in a little humour!