Monday, February 06, 2006

Vive la FRANCE

The other week I drove to Olympia, Earl's Court, London, to visit the 'Vive la France' exhibition, sponsored by the Sunday Times. It was quite an expensive day, as parking was very dear, but it was well worth it.
Vive la France was a cultural exhibition really, but it included some excellent areas on food and wine. I went with a friend from the college who is studying Hospitality Management with Food studies. There were several stands from French food suppliers including delicious cheeses, breads and cured meats and saucisson. A few of the sellers barely spoke any English at all and spoke in thick French accents. I smiled particulalry as we approached a stand with a man wearing a slightly faded blue apron, his rounded waist hanging over the apron strings and a large black moustache. I only wish he wore a beret!
We sampled several really nice cheeses including a cheese made from Ewe's milk and a wild Boar saucisson. As a family I have travelled to France on many occassions and had the opportunity to visit several regions from the Jura neighbouring the Italian and Swiss borders, to Biartitz on the Spanish border and of cause areas of Paris and Normandy. Such visits have always included visits to art galleries and museums accompanied by vivid memories of fresh food and beautiful landscapes. France is a country I can return to again and again and never be dissapointed.
We also enjoyed watching a few live demonstrations from Jean Christophe Novelli, Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Junior. These are all very acclaimed and talented French chefs. Novelli recently opened a new gastro-pub in Harpenden, which is receiving some good reports, but probably much of this hype is associated with his name, more than the food. Raymond Blanc has made such a name for himself taht we probably only need to mention hsi name and it is synonymous with classicial fresh French cooking. Roux- well everything speaks for itself, but I am still surprised by how many people have not heard of the Roux brothers. Albert and Michel Roux arrived in England in the early 70's and swiftly opened a highly successful restaurant in central London. Over 30 years later, Le Gaveroche still remains at the centre of London's culinary map. Michel Roux Jr has taken over the reins from his father, Albert, but it is in very safe hands. Meanwhile, Michel moved to the Berkshire village of Bray, to run the Waterside Inn, beside the Thames. His son, Alain Roux now runs most of the business, but it is all a family affair. I first heard of the Roux brothers shortly after I first left catering college and they continue to inspire me.

There is more to French cooking, as we embrace other cultures and ingredients, but everything seems to flow back to the mouth of the river, the fountain's spring. Vive la France.