Where to begin...It would take more than a lifetime to explore the fourteen gastronomic reasons of France but what a journey it would be. Food is considered to be one of the foremost pleasures in life and this is reflected in the care and attention, the traditions and ceremony that surround the growing, marketing, preparation and eating of food. Part of the appeal of French cuisine for me is the tremendous regional variety. Every corner of France associates itself with the exceptional ingredients considered uniquely suited to being produced there, produits du terrain – ‘food of the land’.

Poultry from Bresse, Bretagne Salt-Marsh lamb, Oysters from Cancale, the list is endless. Each place proud of its ‘signature dish’, with local restaurants serving the best! Bouillabaisse in Marseille, Cassoulet in Carcassonne, Tarte aux pommes dowsed in Calvados from Normandy. Then there are the specialist shops all but gone from England, the patisseries, the fromagerie and la marche – ‘the French market’ strongly local in character tied to the countryside that surrounds it reflecting the changing seasons.
From the Michelin starred temples of haute cuisine to the humble bistro or simple street cafe, French food is my absolute favourite.

Spend the morning creating our own little taste of France. Some timeless classics and modern French dishes make up this memorable menu.