Get ready for Riberac's day of Gastronomie

It's almost time for Ribérac's second 'Festival printemps de la Gastronomie'.  This coming Saturday, 24 March 2012 will welcome all things gastronomic and a lot more besides to Ribérac.  This is Ribérac's way of welcoming in springtime;  traditionally a time of renewal, particularly after what seems a long season of frost, snow and the continuing 'crise de debt'.  So, it's an opportunity to clamber out of the long winter dormancy, blow off the cobwebs and get out and meet people in a convivial atmosphere with, hopefully, the Dordogne sun shining down brightly to help things along a bit.

Come along and support a great day out in Ribérac

This year another full programme awaits the visitor.  The day's events kick off at 09h00 in the Place De Gaulle, just outside the tourist office.  Exhibitors will be displaying their wares and demonstrating their cooking skills.  There will be a diverse range on offer and something of interest to everyone.  There will be chefs from local restaurants displaying their culinary skills and you will be able to witness two of our most renowned of these, Madame Verdier, head chef at the nearby Chateau Le Mas de Montet and Philippe Clapier of Ribérac's Le Commensal doing their thing.  

Bruno Viala, celebrated Parisian traiteur, author and culinary expert, will be revealing the art of 'cuisine moléculaire'.  No, I'm not sure what that means either, but I'll make sure that I'm at the 'Espace démo' at either 10h30 in or 15h30 to find out.  It could be interesting.  Another chef one might like to seek out is Monsieur J-François Laroussarie.  The enterprising M. Laroussarie has set up a cookery school supported by the Chinese government in western China.  Apparently his Chinese students are only allowed to converse in French.  Quite right, but a tough call.  What better way to learn both metiers.  

The one time French Masterchef competitor (he finished in the top 8 in 2010), Phillipe Mesuron who left Paris a few years ago and installed himself in his birthplace in the Perigord where he has continued to pursue his love of cooking and regional food, will be running cooking workshops for children both in the morning (11.00h) and afternoon (16h00).

 

 Chef, Fabrice Morel from the Hostellerie de Périgord in Aubeterre will be back again this year

There will be a dégustation "Manjar un Boucin" where you'll be able to sample some interesting artisanal food and wine from local producers to the accompaniment of live music - so you'll be able to make up an instant lunch if you feel so inclined.

Introduced this year is the idea of picknicking (le pique-nique).  Everyone is invited to participate and those taking part will be assessed on their particular picnic display and its content.  Those judged to have used the most interesting food and drink along with the most innovative display of rug, tableware etc will be judged the winners.  The prize?  a meal for four at Philippe Mesuron's restaurant in Cubjac.  So, I would have thought well worth the effort of putting a few thoughtful things together for a picnic.  Anybody interested in this idea should roll up and set up their picnic at the 'Espace Pique-nique' just outside the tourist office for 11h30. 

 

Back for a springtime cook-up, Madame Marie Verdier Head Chef at Le Mas de Montet

There will be an exhibition of the work of three painters as well as local children's art based on the theme "What does Spring mean to you?" in the tourist office and a discussion about recipes in the library (18h00).   You'll also be able to buy tickets for the tombola which will be drawn later in the day.

The afternoon will continue with more demonstrations and the day will be rounded off with a meal at the Salle Polyvalente.  This costs 20€ per head and you can have your digestion aided by listening to the Hound Dogs who will be providing a programme of Blues/Rock.  For those not wanting to partake of the meal, the concert will cost just 5€.

All in all something for everybody this coming Saturday 24 March.  In the words of the Festival Association, why not come along and 'Manger de la conversation, Penser de la gastronomie, Echanger du désir' and 'Partager des richesses'.  A lovely thought to finish on.