Filed under: art/culture/design, cultural differences, events, food and drinks
This is an impressive event in France that takes place every year. For the whole week beginning Monday, October 16 through 22, you have a smorgasbord of foody activities from which to choose. It’ll be hard to decide.The week is dedicated to all things food, specifically, the pleasure of tasting food – so not only will you be able to sample all kinds of yummy dishes and delicacies, you can also watch food preparation demonstrations, attend cooking classes, participate in food contests, and meet chefs, restaurateurs, cooks, food writers, farmers and food vendors. This event is celebrated in the entire country, so check your local activities’ listings to see what’s going on near you.
An important and cool aspect about the event, La Semaine du Goût is a special focus on the gastronomic education for kids. That is considered a priorty in France and I find that tremendously awesome. And to think growing up in the U.S. our cantine/cafeteria had mushy, tasteless vegetables from a can, instant mashed potatoes and some sort of pressed meat aka Salisbury Steak. With a grayish gravy-like substance.
France is different. During this week chefs are sent to schools all over France to instill in kids the idea and importance of healthy and delcious meals . They get to sample all kinds of yummy goodies and do comparison tests, create dishes themselves and talk and learn about food. School doesn’t suck this week.
Restaurants all over France take part in the festivities and will have special events and menus, some just for children and also discounted for them as well as for students. (See the list of participating restaurants)
La Semaine du Goût / Tasting Week France
Oct 16 – 22, 2006 – all over France
Check the official website below for activities in your area:
Website: La Semaine du Goût/Tasting Week
6 Comments so far
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Hopefully, they won’t be told that ketchup is a vegetable serving!
I think, with “typical” American food, it’s more regionalized. Here, in New England (esp. Maine) lobster is a big deal, along with scallops and clams (fried or in a cream & potato chowder that can hold your spoon upright!)
It’s amazing what passed for lunch from the cafeteria at school during those early childhood days: American chop suey, a slice of board-like pizza, and yes…that timeless classic – the Salisbury Steak! No wonder I was known for bringing peanut butter & jelly sandwiches to school almost every day!
Now, I’m getting homesick… Let’s face it, people, French food just has an edge no other food can come near! 
(Was that a tiny bit arrogant? ahem… )
OMG…scallops! You’re making me miss my husband even more….he being the one in Maine and me being the one 560 miles south of there. The man has a way with scallops (fresh off the boat when he was here scalloping) and with clam fritters (also fresh when we’re in Maine and he/I hand harvest them) The scallops in your photo look delicious!
Comment by Annmarie 10.14.06 @ 2:07 pmah yes, this is quite something. I just wished this was present here in the US. We love our food, don’twe ?
Comment by Bea at La Tartine Gourmande 10.15.06 @ 5:17 amThat’s amazing! i am french and i have never heard of this event before! this is truly great especially for motivating kids to go in the business. i agree with the comment before, we should do the same here in the states! great idea.
Comment by Sophie 10.21.06 @ 1:49 pmLeave a comment
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