The French have always pride themselves as a world leader in gastronomy. What did France do when their reputation slipped?
It’s encoded in their cultural DNA – the passion for fine cuisine. In recent years, France’s reputation for gastronomic excellence had slipped. In an effort to regain its prominence, the country embarked on a global gastro-diplomacy campaign.
On March 19, France went all out to ensure the world experienced an opulent taste of its legendary cuisine at the first worldwide Goût de France or Good France event. This successful project was initiated by renowned French chef, Alain Ducasse and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development. The massive celebration saw over 1,000 chefs on five continents in 150 countries, served up exquisite French delights in their restaurants and embassies.
French gastronomy was added to UNESCO’s Intangible World Heritage List in 2010.
“France is still committed to excellent cuisine, and that we are going to fight those who corrupt our image. Every tourist, visitor who comes to France should enjoy good food.” says newly appointed French Ambassador to Canada, Nicolas Chapius on their recent visit to Vancouver for the Air France flight inauguration.
The lively Chapius who also converses in Mandarin and Mongol points out that in France, dining is a moment of conviviality where people gather at the table to interact and have a good time with good food.
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