Following the huge success of the inaugural ‘Goût de France’, the international celebration will be held in South Africa and other countries worldwide, on the 21st of March 2016.
Coordinated by the French Minister of foreign affairs and the world-acclaimed chef, Alain Ducasse, Goût de France is an introduction to the French lifestyle, showcasing its incredible cuisine and regional products, and presenting the country as a desirable tourist destination.
While discerning foodies are exposed to mouth-watering dishes of traditional French food, Goût De France are dedicated to preparing meals that are not only flavoursome but promote healthy living too. All recipes that are followed use less salt, sugar and fat; without skimping out on the taste.
The event was inspired by the 1912 Epicurean Dinners initiative which saw several cities across the globe preparing meals from the same menu on the same day.
This idea was recreated by the organisers of Goût De France, which shall see numerous restaurants paying tribute to the tastes and aromas of French cooking. To date, 1500 international chefs will be taking part in the event.
Ten of South Africa’s finest restaurants will form part of the festivities – they include the following; Brasserie De Paris and De Kloof Restaurant in Pretoria, Winehouse Restaurant in Johannesburg, Café La Bonheur in Hartbeespoortdam, Nadege Cuisine in Noordhoek, 6 Spin Street and Chalk and Cork in Cape Town; and the Fusion Restaurant and the Fusion French Café in Durban.
All participating South African eateries were given free reign when it came to designing their menus, but had to follow a sequence of courses: aperitif and canapes, start, main course(s), cheese, dessert(s), and French or South African wines.
In addition to the restaurants involvement, French ambassadors will be hosting a prestigious dinner at their places of residence. South Africa’s ambassador, Elizabeth Barbier, will hold a dinner at her Pretoria home, with special guest of honour – local chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Jan-Hendrik is the first South African national to receive a distinction for his culinary excellence at the restaurant, JAN, located in Nice.
