French Embassy to organise cooking competition

The French Embassy and the Institut Francais in Nigeria are organising a “Chefs Taste Challenge” in Abuja and Lagos under the Good France programme

Aude Urcun, the Cultural Attache to the embassy told newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

She explained that the “Chef’s Taste Challenge” was meant to bring together Nigerian and European cuisine in order to showcase the cultural significance of both countries.

She described the process as a way of promoting and fostering cultural relations between Nigeria and France.

Urcun said the competition was conceived by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the renowned chef, Alain Ducasse.

She added that French Cuisine was a vital driving force of the French culture and economy with tourists coming to France for its culinary heritage.

Urcun said four restaurants in Abuja would be participating for the challenge.

They are; Helene’s Food Co, Zuma Grill at Trancorp Hilton, Petit Square and Relais Cafe International adding that, the winner would spend a week with the Head Chef Oliver Perigault learning more about French cuisine.

“Cultural fusion is essential between Africa and Europe. Gastronomy is part of our cultural heritage and history.

“We have to employ this art to improve tourism in Nigeria that will eventually create job opportunities for Nigerian youths,” she said.

Speaking also, Perigault the head chef for the embassy said that, it was a platform for Nigerian chefs to gain exposure internationally.

”Gastronomy is the way of our lives because we can not do without our cultural heritage,” he said.