French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and participating chefs in the 5th Gout de France face the media during the event launch at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday night (March 13, 2019). (Photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)
MANILA -- The French Embassy in Manila is again bringing France's "gastronomic meals" across the country with the fifth edition of the Gout de France on March 21.
The Gout de France or Good France, which is included in the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage List, is an annual affair organized by all French embassies around the world. At least 5,000 chefs are set to participate in this year’s event.
In the Philippines, the French Embassy has invited 27 chefs of different nationalities, representing haute cuisine, bistros, culinary schools, and hotels and resorts, who would be serving new dishes for the event next week.
"It's very encouraging because last year it was 18. So every year, more restaurants and more chefs are getting more aware of this event," French Ambassador Nicolas Galey told reporters during the event's launch at the Manila Hotel.
"It's not an event only in the Philippines alone so that makes it very special, very unique. It's all over the world in all countries where we have an Embassy," he added.
The Gout de France was first launched by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and French chef Alain Ducasse in 2015, after the UNESCO included French cuisine on the world intangible heritage list.
This year, the French government seeks to focus on "responsible cuisine" in relation to its commitment to environmental sustainability and fighting climate change.
Participating chefs would be offering "planet-friendly" menus with dishes using less fat, sugar and salt, a nod to "good food" and "respect for the planet's resources."
Participant SGD Coffee Roastery, for one, would be offering its roasted spring chicken with cascara, mountain vegetables, and coffee sauce served alongside the Barangas heirloom rice. (PNA)
