When UAE gets a taste of France

Abu Dhabi - 12 hotels to take part in Good France food fest

All roads now lead to Paris, France in general, one reason being the irresistible French cuisine.
"France has the largest number of tourists - 84 million in 2014 alone - and the government hopes to increase the number to 100 million by 2030," pointed out Michel Miraillet, the French ambassador in Abu Dhabi.
One way of doing this is by promoting, even further, one of France's greatest assets, its gastronomy. And the one day festival every year to promote French cooking all over the world is?just that.
Good France was started on March 21 last year by one of world's best chefs, Alain Ducasse and the French Ministry of Foreign Affaires and International Development.
The UAE missed the start, but this year, on March 21, it will take part with 12 restaurants from Abu Dhabi and Dubai joining in.
"Today the campaign gathers 1,500 chefs from five different continents," said Miraillet.
Each one will prepare a French-inspired menu in their French-style restaurant. Although French chefs are known for their love for butter, each recipe must use less fat, sugar and salt, showing concern for 'good' food.
Each participating restaurant is also committed to donate five per cent from the day's proceeds to a local charity organisation.
"Since March 21 coincides with Arab Mother's Day, the French embassy has decided to donate the money to an Emirati foundation that assists mothers," said Miraillet.
The ambassador will also take part in the Good France personally by organising a French dinner evening at his residence for ?ladies only.Choosing the 12 UAE restaurants to take part in the Good France was not a very easy task, especially since French restaurants are quite rare here.
Most of the chosen 12, in fact, don't serve just French cuisine, but have an international or modern profile that includes French cooking techniques or recipes. Seven of them are in Abu Dhabi: Brasserie Flo in the Venetian village; La Piscine (Al Raha Beach Hotel); The Forge (Ritz Carlton Hotel); Finz (Beach Rotana); Still's (Crown Plaza Yas Island); Le Beaujolais (Mercure Centre Hotel); and Original Fusion (The World Trade Centre Mall).
From Dubai there are Le Frioul (Madinat Jumeirah); Le Classique (Dubai Golf); Pure Sky Lounge and Dining (Hilton Dubai The Walk); STAY by Yannick Alleno (One and Only The Palm); and Vogue Cafe?(Dubai Mall).
"What used to be French cuisine 20 years ago, is much different now. We take French cooking techniques and apply them to modern dishes, reach in taste and spices," said Laurent Petit, executive chef of Crown Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi