BON voyage!
A GALLIVANTING GOURMET CROSSES THE CHANNEL
Rick Stein is saying au revoir to what he already knows of France and bonjour to its rural side! The British chef’s new Sky series Secret France follows him as he makes his way through the French countryside, sticking to areas off the beaten track, in a show that is about as ‘Rick Stein’ as it comes – with generous servings of wine and indulgence in great food!
“My friends tell me that France is no longer a good place for good food. They say the towns and villages that have been touched by tourism are now all the same,” says the 73-year-old.
“So I’m going to take to the back roads – meandering the length and breadth of a hopefully less-discovered France that still cherishes the best of its past and is creating modern exciting dishes that are still unmistakably French.”
Beginning in the Norman port of Dieppe, Rick starts with fresh turbot straight from the boats, before heading for the vines of Champagne to enjoy a tipple or two. As he says himself, “Nothing is more exhilarating than fresh fish simply cooked!”
As he journeys through France’s eastern provinces of Alsace and Jura, the star chef learns more about his favourite French dish, choucroute garnie – a plate of sauerkraut and sausages. And, this being France, bread, cheese and wine are in excess!
Whether you’re reminiscing about your overseas travels or living vicariously through the intrepid traveller and brilliant cook, this BBC series is not to be missed.