French chef Auguste Escoffier (1848-1935) is widely regarded as the man who brought French cuisine out of the palaces and private courts and offered it up for the enjoyment of everyday people. He proclaimed that, “The art of cuisine is perhaps one the most useful form of diplomacy.” Escoffier first launched the “Dîner d’Épicure” to share the pleasure of French gastronomy.
It is in this spirit that every year a celebration of French food takes place in over 150 countries, across five continents. Reborn in 2015 as Goût de France, the event is open to all restaurants and bistros around the world. The menu varies depending on the participating eatery but the goal is the same: to celebrate France’s rich culinary tradition. The gastronomy of France was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010!
French Ambassador to Canada, Kareen Rispal, hosted a cocktail reception in early December where she announced that the annual dinner will be hosted at the French Embassy on April 16, 2020.
The 2020 Goût de France dinner will feature ingredients and recipes from the Loire Valley. Ah, think delicious goat cheese like the famous Crottin de Chavignol, wines like Sancerre, Chinon, Pouilly-Fumé, and Crémant de Loire to name but a few!
Executive Chef Katie Ardington from Ottawa restaurant Beckta will be preparing the five-course meal along with Chef Laurent Provence from the Residence de France. All proceeds from the dinner will go to The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, an organization that supports 4500 boys and girls across the city that is chaired by Beckta’s owner, Stephen Beckta.
Not only is Beckta lending its chef to the French embassy dinner, it will also be offering a week of French cooking (April 13-April 16, 2020) at its renowned Elgin Street restaurant.
In the Loire Valley, good food, fine wine, beautiful art and good company are fundamentally important to a happy life. It is a real treat for one night to be able to share in the experience dining à la France.
With only 90 tickets available, the dinner will sell out quickly. Orders you at this link or for more information contact, maxime.cordier@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Santé!
Photos: Courtesy the French Embassy to Canada