Last week, I was honoured to be invited to the French Residence for the launch of Goût de France (Good France), a celebration of French cuisine. In their gorgeous black and white building surrounded by lush gardens, we enjoyed an afternoon with Chef Yves Camdeborde, known as one of the trailblazers for French bistro cuisine. He prepared for us Hay Smoked Oysters, beautifully served on a bed of hay. And there… there was the reason to celebrate French cuisine. Butter, smoked oysters, baby potatoes and caviar on a vibrantly green puree that was utterly delicious (though I have no idea what was in it). Anything that tastes that good should and must be celebrated!
A tropical downpour didn’t stop this event where we could enjoy a variety of French delicacies
A chat with Chef Camdeborde
Later, in an interview with the renowned Chef, I asked him what his favourite French recipe would be and his answer was slow cooked Beef Cheek (sighs by me thinking of the first time I tried this dish). French food, for so many, holds fond memories or ah-ha moments of trying something classic but new. I remember my first beef cheek and will never forget my foray into French cooking with our Cookbook Club Competition.
I then asked what would be in Chef Camdeborde’s fridge and he said vegetables… He could not be without vegetables in his fridge. So, of course, I had to know what his favourite vegetarian recipe would be. It was asparagus with truffle. Such simplicity but amazing flavours from a vegetable, paired with truffle because, he said, at the time that asparagus is starting to come in season, truffles are almost at the end of their season. (By the way, asparagus season is usually Feb to June in the Northern Hemisphere so look out for these to feature on menus across this island.)
French cuisine with local ingredients. A delightful dish of frog legs served on top of a microgreen risotto. Micro greens were sourced from Edible Garden City which in itself is its own story. I highly recommend looking into what they are doing there.
A beautiful future
One statement made by Chef Camdeborde resonated with me. This was “the pleasure of taste has no relation to the price of the product”. I couldn’t agree more. Where it used to be that fancy ingredients and a hefty price tag defined what dining should be, now the focus is on ingredients and cooking. He sees that more and more people are preparing their meals at home with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. Thankfully, we are becoming aware of the environment and how what we eat has an effect on our planet and our wellbeing in general. Whether it be a respect to animal well-being, less use of pesticides in food and wine production or perhaps choosing to go meatless more than once a week, Chef Camdeborde would like to see a more conscious and clean way of eating ahead.
That luscious green puree under the oyster was absolutely divine.
5 continents, 150 countries, 3,000 participating restaurants, 1,500 chefs
This year, the fourth year of celebration, Good France brings together fine dining restaurants, high-quality bistros and Air France to celebrate French cuisine. Air France, by the way, flew Chef Camdeborde to Singapore for the event and he serves on their panel of chefs bringing French gastronomy to the air.
2018 shines a spotlight on Nouvelle Aquitaine, a region in the southwest of France. Here you can find wine (think Bordeaux) and a huge variety of food – fruit, cheese, seafood, meat – all produced in this part of France.
Be sure and visit one (or more!) of the ten participating venues this year
Each of them will be offering a French menu on the 21st of March that includes an aperitif with finger food, starter, one or two main course(s), cheese platter and dessert accompanied by wine and champagne (French, of course). Here’s the list so check them out and book your French dinner early!
- Brasserie Gavroche
- Entre-nous Creperie
- Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
- Le Bistrot Du Sommelier
- Mad About Sucre
- Racines
- Saint Pierre
- Wine Connection Bistro Capital Square
- Winestone
- Xperience Restaurant
Thank you to the French Embassy for inviting me along to meet Chef Yves Camdeborde and enjoy the tastes of France!
For more information visit goodfrance.com
#goodfrance