This weekend, France celebrates “French Gastronomy Day” (la Fête de la Gastronomie). But why a “French Gastronomy Day” now? This event was initiated in 2011 following the addition of the “gastronomic meal of the French” to the UNESCO’s list of “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” in 2010. So today to join France in their celebration, we are featuring a video about two French families and their gastronomic meal experience which we thought you may enjoy. And also, just for fun (because a French gastronomic meal is not complete without hours of fun!), check 12 interesting poll results found in the French press on what the French say about meal rituals, homecooking, and food – pretty interesting insider’s view.
This is an insightful slice of life type of video about two French families preparing and enjoying a French gastronomic meal. It shows the entire process:
- Careful selection of recipes prior to the meal.
- Shopping for high quality products at the farmers market and in specialty shops — those are places where knowledge and cooking tips are shared and transmitted. Notice the input from the artisans (butcher, affineur, baker, wine expert, etc.)? Their expertise is always valued and sought out.
- Sharing and transmitting the cooking rituals and “savoir-faire” (know-how) of the family traditions to the younger generations: table setting, cooking techniques, regional foods, sharing of recipes, wine pairing , etc.
- Sequence of a gastronomic meal: it starts with an apéritif, then several courses follow – a cold starter, a hot starter, a main course, a cheese course (look at that cheese platter!), and of course a dessert course (that young lady and the little ones did a great job making this gorgeous pastry dessert!). The meal concludes with a digestif.
- Wine selection: wines are carefully chosen so that each dish and the wine it is paired with are in harmony.
- The pleasure of enjoying the meal together — you may enjoy the lovely cozy eat-in French country kitchen where one of the family is gathering: copper pots, antique scale, grandfather clock, love it!
French Gastronomic Meal Video
French Gastronomic Meal and Cooking at Home: What do the French Say?
Did you know that:
- French spend on average over 2 hours per day at the table.
- 99% of French wish to save the gastonomic meal as part of the French culture and transmit it to future generations.
- 95% of French consider that the French gastronomic meal is an essential part of their shared heritage and cultural identity.
- 94% of French say homemade meals bring them joy and happiness.
- 92% of French say that eating is a pleasure.
- 90% of French say that hosting a dinner party gives them as much joy as being invited to one.
- 87% of French consider that cooking with children is to transmit their heritage and family values.
- 85% of the French think they have a balanced diet.
- 82% of French prefer to have a real sitdown meal rather than eating on the run (“manger sur le pouce” – literally means “eating on the thumb”).
- 78% of French prefer to eat with company rather than alone.
- 70% of homemade French meals are cooked by women.
- 54% of French learned to cook with a family member (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc.)
Happy French Gastronomic Day to all!