Erik Satie-themed dinner - French playlist and recipes enclosed

Erik Satie

At this challenging moment when we are all kept inside, we want to share the healing powers of music and cooking with you, our dear community. This cheer letter is focused on French composer and pianist Erik Satie, and his music and eccentric recipes. This "founder of Modernism" was the friend of Debussy and his work with Picasso, Diaghilev, and Cocteau placed him in the forefront of the hottest trends of that era.

Did you know Satie only ate foods that were white in color? We thought you might like the idea of planning out your own "themed dinners" using a color palette of white, just like Satie, as a fun way to connect with your family during this time. Even if they live far away, you can share photos of your meals. We have found a list of food recipes here (using only the color of white) and invite you to try one while playing the music of Erik Satie (see below album recommendation). If you do try this, send us a photo of the meal or recipe that you try, and we will include it on our social media.

While you partake of this special themed dinner, we recommend listening to pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s album The Magic of Satie. We hope this music brings you peace, joy and inspiration throughout this period in life. Perhaps it will even serve as a cooking soundtrack as you make your meal of only foods that are white in color!

It is unusual for most of us to have so much unstructured time, so here is another Satie idea directly from his journal about his daily schedule:

“I rise at 7:18; am inspired from 10:23 to 11:47. I lunch at 12:11 and leave the table at 12:14. A healthy ride on horseback round my domain follows from 1:19 P.M. to 2:53 P.M. Another bout of inspiration from 3:12 to 4:07 P.M. From 4:27 to 6:47 P.M. various occupations (fencing, reflection, immobility, visits, contemplation, dexterity, swimming, etc.)”

Perhaps this is a bit too structured, let’s aim for a middle ground...

We are always thinking of you, our dear PPI Family. Please let us know how you’re doing, share a photo of your favorite Satie-inspired meal or your favorite Satie composition. Bon appetit!