OWING to the success of last year’s Goût de France or Taste of France event, the French Embassy in Suva is certain that the number of attendees this year will double with the announcement of this year’s participating restaurants, chefs and partners prior to the global event.

After the positive feedback from tourism stakeholders on Fiji’s tourism industry after being hit by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston, the event has been described by the embassy as a timely one.

“We decided to go ahead despite the circumstances linked to Severe TC Winston for two reasons. First, Fiji’s tourism sector is up and running and coming to Fiji is the best way to help,” French Embassy deputy head of mission Jules Irrmann said.

“And secondly, Good France will be a charity event this year,” said Mr Irrmann.

The participating chefs this year are from renown local restaurants; Bad Dog, Eden Bistro & Bar and V-Restaurant at Sofitel Hotel in Denarau.

These three participating restaurants are among 1500 restaurants in the five continents that will participate in this global celebration of French gastronomy on March 21.

As always, Fiji will be the first country to lead this global event.

He says that while the charity event focuses on authentic French gastronomy, it is also essential to use the event as part of the platform for a national tourism promotional strategy put in place by the Fiji Government.

Last year, more than 300 people enjoyed the French dinner at the two participating partners — Grand Pacific Hotel and Eden Bistro & Bar.

This global celebration of French cuisine is the mastermind of the former French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius and Michelin five-star celebrity chef, Alain Ducasse.

The event was to showcase the French way of life, in particular its rich gastronomic culture and its expanding gastronomic tourism industry.

The gastronomic meal is a succession of rituals: it begins with an aperitif and ends with a digestif and between these at least four courses, an appetiser, a fish and/or meat dish, cheese then dessert.

All of these accompanied with bread and wine.

Mr Irrmann acknowledged the partners, Tourism Fiji and the Fiji Chef Association that have agreed to be part of this global event.