Au revoir not goodbye

Albert Roux, Carole and Sophie

Our general manager Carole Gayard is leaving for pastures new, but writes us a few words for us as she departs…

I’m writing this column on a train to London, that will eventually take me to France to my family, before a new adventure on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. 

I first arrived in Scotland in September 2011, fresh out of catering school. L’escargot bleu had opened 6 months before and it was my first job. It was challenging for the first few months as I only babbled in English (and they don’t teach you Scottish at school!).

I worked with Fred and Betty for about 2 years, learned a lot and met great people. L’escargot bleu soon became my second family. After that, I went travelling for a while in Australia, then came back to Scotland after a year.

I spent the next 6 years at Castle Terrace, which was a very challenging experience, but working with chef Jack was both incredible and gratifying. I wasn’t done travelling so I moved to La Reunion to gain some new experiences and a bit of sun. But after a year, Scotland was calling again...

I came back to my first Scottish home with Fred and Betty. We had never really lost touch, even during all my travels, so it was great to be working with them again. I really love that special relationship we have. I know I can count on them, and I’d like to think they know they can count on me too. And after the year we have just had, I am grateful they were here. I’ve spent a lot of time at Newton Garden this year with Fred, seeding, planting, picking salad and veg all last summer. It was the perfect way to escape lockdown and the solitude of living alone. 

I won’t forget this year, like all of us, but I’ll keep in mind the good times. I’ll always remember that evening we spent at Fred and Betty’s house, when we decided to start a take-away service. A brand new job for all of us and we had to adapt. I’ll always remember the famous “allez” (“come on”) we all shouted every time the phone rang on the first days, or Fred singing his heart out while we were out on deliveries. Good times! 

I guess that’s one of the lessons I’ll keep from this time spent at bleu: keep going, don’t give up and eat good food. Because, with a happy belly you can do pretty much anything! I’m sad to leave the team at bleu: Sophie, Seb, Gonzalito, Beber and all my friends in Edinburgh, but I know it’s the right thing to do for me just now. I’m leaving Scotland for the third time, but I’m sure I’ll be back again...