Goût de France is celebrating the French gastronomy in various locations worldwide on March 21st this year! More than 1700 chefs in over 5 continents will participate in the Goût de France/ Good France.
Just a little history:
For you who first heard of Goût de France recently, here is a little bit of history. Chef Auguste Escoffier started Les Dîners d’Epicure (Epicurean Dinners) in 1912; this meant one day, one menu, served in cities around the world, to as many guests as possible. But last year, 2015, chef Alain Ducasse took the idea a bit further and started the first edition of Goût de France. All categories of restaurants were brought together globally. The reasons for this event is to promote the French tourism and to carry the colors of French cuisine with pride; the French cuisine is contemporary and excellent.
Goût de France 2015 at the ambassador’s residence:
The French ambassador, his excellency Michel Prom, wanted Suriname to participate in the Goût de France last year, but due to a short period of time it was impossible. Instead the Embassy invited students from the culinary school in St. Laurent who cooked a great meal, 7 courses of deliciousness!
I had the pleasure of joining them during this wonderful event, together with my Foodie friend Damei Shen ( please read her article about it on her blog; A Tasty Bit.
I would like to share some of the dishes presented last year by the culinary students.
Goût de France au Suriname:
In November 2015, Ambassador Prom contacted the Suriname Chefs Association (SCA) to see if it would be possible for chefs in Suriname to participate at the Goût de France 2016 edition. They would be added to the list of 1700+ from all over the world if they agreed. The meeting went well and the chefs were enthusiastic. From that gathering 4 chefs/restaurants made their menus and send them in to be judged by the team of judges in France. In January 2016, the judges would let all the chefs/restaurants know who was allowed to participate that year. Courtyard by Marriott, Torarica and Spice Quest are the 3 restaurants that will have one cuisine, different menus though, on one day – March 21st. The 4th had to cancel, but they made up for it at the press meeting where the official launch of the Goût de France au Suriname was held.
Press meeting:
On March 7th the French Embassy in Suriname held a press meeting to officially launch the participation of the 3 Surinamese restaurants to the Goût de France.
The meeting was held at the Alliance Française facility located at CCS and the Ambassador led it. Together with the representatives, from Spice Quest: Shaun Verwey; from Hotel Torarica, Chef: Sherwin Alexander; from SCA: Rosita Leeflang; and from Courtyard by Marriott – Flavors Restaurant, Chef: Arnold Tecio, the meeting took form.
Not only did the ambassador explain about Goût de France, but he also made sure that the press and all invitees had their tastebuds spoiled. Exclusive French cheese, exclusive wine and champagne were served next to a wonderful menu by the 4th team of chefs that had to cancel for the initial date (students from Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Training Center [SHTTC]).
On the menu during the press meeting the students presented:
1. Under the sea – A seafood cocktail with a nice sherry wine cocktail sauce
2. The heart of France – Coq au vin on a crostini of a French Baguette
3. Welcome to France – Vole au vents filled with sautéed rosemary sausages and mushrooms
4. The sweetness of the sunset – Orange crème Brulée
These delightful culinary jewels were prepared by students and more experienced professionals in the tourism and catering industry. They have willingly agreed to share their inspiration with us and present us their interpretation of Goût de France in Suriname.
Students from SHTTC and more experienced professionals:
– Ms. Shannon Van Ommeren
– Ms. Yvonnne Brizzel
– Ms. Melany Wong Swie San
– Ms. Sabrina Boerleider
– Mr. Mitchel Klaiber
The chefs of the 3 participating restaurants also explained their menu at the conference. Here are the menus and the prices of the participating restaurants. Please feel free to take a look at it and make your choice of where you would like to go.
Courtyard by Marriott – Flavors restaurant menu
Price per couvert US$ 80,-
Amuse bouche – Veal sweetbread vol au vent
Aperitif – Kir Royal from Champagne Baron Fuente Grand Reserve Brut & Crème de Cassis
Appetizer
Coquille St. Jacques
Or
Beef Consommé with Truffle
Domaine Dujardin – Meursault – Grand Vin de Bourgogne
Trou Normande – Birambi and Orange Sorbet
Main Course
Navarin of lamb with confit of lamb and spring vegetables
Or
Cornish Hen Cordon Bleu with Butter Spring Vegetables & Pommes Duchess.
Chateau Lanbersac – Puisseguin Saint-Emilion – Grand Vin de Bordeaux
Cheese Course
Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Soufflé
Domaine Christian Salmon – Clos de Criots – Pouilly Fumé
Dessert
Peach Melba with Pommerak sauce.
Chateau Fontebride – Sauternes – Grand Vin de Bordeaux
Cheese Platter
Selection of French Cheese and Crackers
Torarica menu
Price per couvert € 70,-
Starter: Legume gastronomique, Gastrionomic twist to Surinamese vegetables
Meal 1: Poisson almondine, Rouleax of kandra filet- almond crust and a shrimp hollandaise
Meal 2: Veau Rossini,Tender Veal – duckliver- espresso aux jus – potato mousseline
Cheese: Assiette de fromage de saison, Assorted cheeses served with sappodilla chutney and garnishes
Dessert 1 :Petit Grand dessert
Spice Quest menu; price US$ 50,- Addicting US$ 20,- with champagne pairing
Indulge yourself with all this deliciousness! Let us know how you liked it and do you think Suriname should participate again next year?
Goût de France / Good France on 21 March 2016!
Suriname is participant of the 2ⁿᵈ Goût de France / Good France event www.goodfrance.com
Follow the French Embassy on FB: https://business.facebook.com/France-in-Suriname-and-Guyana-801060413359129/
