Goût de France celebrates French cuisine in the Philippines

PRESS RELEASE - On March 21, 2017, we invite you to have a taste of France by sharing a French meal as part of Goût de France/Good France!

A global campaign organized annually since 2015 by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Goût de France is an event inspired by the concept of Auguste Escoffier’s “Epicure’s Dinners” to serve the same menu on the same day in different cities all over the world.

The celebration aims to pay tribute to the excellence of French cuisine through the values of sharing a meal and respecting the environment, while also promoting France as a tourist destination. It also aims to highlight the distinction of French gastronomy as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010.

Last year, chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world were screened and chosen by a committee of experts led by Alain Ducasse based on their proposed traditional French menu to be served in their respective establishments on March 21. This menu is composed of the following courses: a French aperitif, a cold starter, a hot starter, fish or shellfish, meat or poultry, a French cheese (or cheeseboard), a dessert, and French wines and digestifs. While this menu represents a traditional meal in France, the chefs were encouraged to integrate local ingredients and techniques in the preparation of the dishes.

In the Philippines, 8 chefs from 9 restaurants have been selected to take part in this event: Chef Jacq Tan of Apéro and Duck and Buvette, Chef Victor Magsaysay of CAV, Chef Francesca Mabanta of Corner Tree Café, Chef Michael Schauss of Novotel Manila’s Gourmet Bar, Chef Chris Bautista of La Crêperie, Chef Kevin Endaya of Lemuria, Chef Nicolas Cegretin of Raffles Makati’s Mirèio, Chef Justin Baradas of Enderun College’s Restaurant 101, and Chef Pierre Cornelis of Hotel Benilde’s Vatel Restaurant Manila.

“The French and Filipinos share one important characteristic: a common love for food and sharing meals. This is what we want to highlight in Goût de France as we celebrate the 70th year anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries,” French Ambassador Thierry Mathou said.

“We are proud to celebrate Goût de France in the Philippines for the third consecutive year with this new batch of chefs composed of both French and Filipino chefs who bring our two culinary heritages together,” Ambassador Mathou added.

This year’s edition of Goût de France also highlights the presence of culinary training schools. The French Embassy welcomes the participation of two schools in the Philippines: Restaurant 101 of Enderun Colleges and Vatel Restaurant Manila of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Vatel Restaurant Manila’s executive chef, Pierre Cornelis, has been invited to prepare the special dinner to be offered by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou at his residence on March 21, 2017.

(L-R): Chef Justin Baradas of Restaurant 101, Chef Pierre Cornelis of Vatel Restaurant Manila, Chef Nicolas Cegretin of Mireio, Novotel Manila Araneta Center Marketing Manager Michael Sagaran, Apero and Duck & Buvette Operations Manager Kevin Hoffert, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Chef Victor Magsaysay of Cav, La Creperie Bonifacio Global City Area Manager Miguel Mejia, Chef Kevin Endaya of Lemuria, Corner Tree Cafe owner Chiqui Mabanta, and Dean Angelo Locsin of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Check out the menu for the participating restaurants on the 21st:

Goût de France is the first culinary themed event of the “PhilFrance : Feel French !” festival to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines.

As an echo to Goût de France, the first edition of “Bon Appétit !” will be held in Manila from September 22 to 24, 2017. Organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, “Bon Appétit” is a food market featuring French and Filipino fine cuisine and agro-products for the public.

For more information visit www.goodfrance.com, www.ambafrance-ph.org or the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia on Facebook. Use the hashtags #GoodFrance #PhilFrance70 on your social media posts.

Bon appétit !