MANILA, Philippines - French diplomatic representations and restaurants from all over the world, including the Philippines, will be celebrating French cuisine and gastronomy through Goût de France (Good France) on March 19.
On this day, 1,300 chefs from around the world, which are chosen upon the initiative of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and world renowned chef Alain Ducasse, will be offering a French dinner that would pay tribute to the culinary tradition of France, which values high-quality, innovative and environmentally responsible cuisine.
Goût de France was inspired by Auguste Escoffier, who launched the “Dîners d'Épicure” (Epicurean Dinners) initiative – the same menu, the same day, in several world cities and aimed at as many diners as possible – in 1912, Goût de France/Good France reproduces that beautiful idea with the desire to involve restaurants all around the world.
In the Philippines, Chef Michel Herbert of Le Bistro d’Agathe, Chef Ronnie Reyes of Bizu Patisserie, Chef Cyrille Soenen of Brasserie Ciçou, Chef Marc Aubry of Champêtre, Chef Kevin Endaya of Lemuria, Chef Thomas Wenger of Restaurant 101, and Chefs Bettina Arguelles and Denis Vecchiato of Spiral have been screened and chosen by a committee of experts led by Alain Ducasse to offer a French menu in their restaurants.
The menu, which will be served on March 19, includes a traditional French aperitif, a cold starter, a hot starter, fish or shellfish, meat or poultry, a French cheese (or cheeseboard), a chocolate dessert, French wines and digestifs, while remaining free to highlight their own culinary traditions and cultures.
According to French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius, “France's heritage is its cuisine, its wines, (...). The gastronomic meal of the French has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2010, but it is a heritage that should not simply be contemplated, glorified and savored; it is a heritage that should be built upon and showcased.”
In the words of Alain Ducasse: “French cuisine is the interpreter of a cuisine that has evolved towards lightness in harmony with its environment... The common point of this event is generosity, sharing and the love of what is beautiful and tastes good. It will be a delightful interlude and an opportunity to celebrate French cuisine worldwide.”
Goût de France in the Philippines is made possible through the support of the local restaurant partners Le Bistro d’Agathe, Bizu Patisserie, Brasserie Ciçou, Champêtre Boutique and Restaurant, Lemuria, Restaurant 101 of Enderun Colleges, and Spiral and sponsors Elle & Vire, Staub and Don Papa rum.
Here are the locations of the seven restaurants for your reference:
Champêtre Boutique and Restaurant
Ground floor, Net One Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Menu by Chef Marc Aubry
P 2,200 per person
Le Bistro d’Agathe
1154 Gen. J. Lacuna St. cor. Rodriguez Ave., Bangkal, Makati
Menu by Chef Michel Herbert
P 1,450 per person
Bizu Patisserie and Bistro
Ground floor, One Rockwell Bldg, Rockwell Drive, Makati City
Menu by Chef Ronnie Reyes
P 1,800++ per person
Brasserie CiÇou
57 Annapolis St., San Juan
Menu by Chef Cyrille Soenen
P 2,100++ per person
P 3,700++ per person (inclusive of 1 glass of champagne, 2 glasses of wine, and 1 calvados)
Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant
5 Julieta Circle, Horseshoe Village, Quezon City
Menu by Chef Kevin Endaya
P 3,500 per person
Restaurant 101
1100 Campus Avenue, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Menu by Chef Thomas Wenger
P 2,480 per person
Spiral
Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Menu by Chefs Bettina Arguelles and Denis Vecchiato
P 2,500 per person
P 3,500 per person with wine pairing
For reservations, contact the participating restaurants. Learn more about Goût de France / Good France through www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH.