Goût de France 2018

Let’s think, you are someone who loves food- basically drools over food. Let’s say you’re someone, who has a taste for food, which is subtle and also visually pleasing. And also, let’s assume, you have a knack for fine dining. So, we can somewhat conclude, from the above assumptions, that you’d like French cuisine.

So, what is Gout De France?

And, this time of the year, hold your breath- Goût de France (the French food festival) is here. It’s basically a global phenomenon where, globally in around 2000 prime places, at the same time, over the same meal, pure unadulterated french food is getting served. In Kolkata, all the big boys have jumped in and tables were booked weeks in advance. This event is planned by the French Consulate in different locations and coordinated by the same. Goût De France literally means “a taste of France” and maybe, the aim of this event is to infuse the fine diners with the same.

And then, there’s me …

Now, it’s your utmost right, in fact, I’d say one of the fundamental rights to ask why a gastronomically-challenged-person-in-fine-dining- segment like me is writing about this fine cuisine and I fully support you on that ground. After I wrote about my Goût De France experience last year, I was feeling ashamed of myself. If you ask me of road-side kebab shops, I am a champ (well, at least I think so…), if you ask me of another roadside kachori- I know a couple of places. Even, those eating houses in town….. yes yes- that’s my forte. But, frankly, as you stay away from your own wives (or husbands in that matter…. ), I tend to stay clear of the fine dining stuff. They are like those page 3 parties, visually appealing, but you hardly get to attend one. But, this time, luckily, thanks to honorary Consulate General Of France in Kolkata, I got invited there.

It was a great evening. Now, if someone gets to meet friends over some nice Pouilly fusse and assorted food from all the counters set up by the hotels, nothing can really go wrong. But sadly, as life would have it, I couldn’t taste everything, but just an assortment of the items. And, that gave me a good overview of what was going to come in the next few fortnights. So, here’s a glimpse of the event.

Scallops and lamb loin from Taj Bengal

Fast facts

Okay, facts first. 10 chefs, 8 Kolkata Hotels and 1 NGO will be serving Kolkata a fine array of a pre-plated table-d-hote menu from 21^st-29^th March at a set price. The deal is generally at a rock bottom price and is a steal for the fine diners in the city. So, here’s a compiled list.

Oberoi Grand Kolkata :

french menu

Taj Bengal Kolkata will be having the dinner at their Chambers on 21st March only and it’s definitely one surprised, which is to be experienced.

One of my special experiences in Taj Bengal can be checked here

ITC Sonar will be having dinner on 21st March 2018. The menu here can be checked below. 

Good France-2

For Novotel Kolkata, the 5-course dinner will be hosted over dinner from 21-25th March and is priced at 1449+tax pp.

This year, also, I was invited to The Park Hotel Kolkata for a tasting session and this is my experience. 

Well, somehow, every year, I get invited by the Honorary French Consulate to another dinner, paired with some adda and this year, it was at ITC Sonar. So, here’s the experience. 

So, as they say, Bon Appetit !!! Enjoy a drop of France in Kolkata …

Comments and critics welcome. 

I can be reached at 9903528225 / indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com