Fête de la gastronomie

While I was busy walking around yesterday doing my best impression of 'tourist with camera' I had completely forgotten it was fête de la gastronomie. Launched in May this year, it is the inaugural event that looks to promote French cooking - not forgetting that we are talking of cuisine that this year won its status on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Yes, that is how seriously the French take their cuisine.

This year's theme was  "earth" and with it Relais & Château restaurants were opening up their kitchens to the public, and show-casing how some traditional dishes are made. Was hoping to sneak into one show but alas - was not the only one with the same idea. Great idea, just upset that it is only focussed around one day - there are some events organised by some restaurants that will extend until tomorrow but if you missed yesterday's showcases, might have to wait until next year.
Random search of some blogs and found that SA is also having its own fête de la gastronomie. How? Well if you know the history and the strong affiliations we have with the French going back to the Huguenot settlers in Franschoek, then you know that we do celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau, Bastille Day (or should I say French National Day), and now we've jumped right onto the band-wagon celebrating fête de la gastronomie.
Go check it out, for the food, to satisfy the francophile in you or in support of France-SA foreign relations.
Bon appétit!