The world’s biggest French gastronomy festival has gotten even bigger this year with more than 5000 participating chefs across 5 continents and 150 countries.
Following UNESCO’s move to include the “gastronomic meal of France” on the intangible cultural heritage list, Gout de France (translated as taste of France), also known as Good France Festival, is back for its fifth year this 21st March.
And what was already the world’s biggest French gastronomy festival has gotten even bigger this year with more than 5000 participating chefs across 5 continents and 150 countries. While those numbers are impressive, what’s even more laudable is the emphasis on a greener approach to French cuisine, aimed at better respecting the planet’s resources.
Here are eight of our favourite participating local restaurants to dine and celebrate the festival along with the rest of the world.
Entier
Since its inception, Entier has championed the idea of sustainable eating with its nose to tail approach using fresh, local ingredients. Chef Masashi Horiuchi continues to bring his French training and Japanese precision to the forefront in conjunction with Gout de France, presenting a 3- and 4- course menu with refined classics such as Bouillabaisse and Salmon a L’oseille. The festive menu will be served exclusively for dinner on 21st March, as well as an option on 20th, 22nd and 23rd March.
To view the full menu, log on to the official website here. For reservations and enquiries, call 03 2268 3819 or WhatsApp 6016 263 0596.
See also: Entier makes the unconventional unforgettable, from nose to tail
DC by Darren Chin
Given that DC by Darren Chin delivered an unparalleled Gout de France meal last year, it inherently earns a spot on this list. Having been trained in Paris and accumulated 17 years of experience in the industry, Chef Darren Chin has built a serious reputation for French fine dining using top quality, seasonal ingredients. A few highlights from his festival menu include the new signature Hokkaido Bafun uni, Alaskan king crab and Japanese “Hidayu” Full-Blood A5 Wagyu. The menu will be available from 19th to 24th March, with optional wine pairing.
For reservations and enquiries, call 03 7731 0502, email info@restaurant-dc.com or log on to the official website here.
Nathalie Gourmet Studio
Award-winning Chef Nathalie Arbefeuille has come a long way in representing French fine dining to Malaysians and her incessant innovation is what keeps patrons coming back for more. For Gout de France this year, guests can expect nothing short of her creative culinary embodied in dishes like Wild Malabar Fish in a Chorizo Crust, Broadbean Cremeux, Parmesan Cheese Emulsion and Roasted Mushrooms and ‘The Most Exotic Deconstructed Mille Feuille’. The menu is available for one day only on 21st March.
To view the full menu, log on to the official website here. For reservations and enquiries, call 017 260 6717.
Soleil
We love ourselves some seafood at Soleil as long as Chef Evert Onderbeke is behind the kitchen (read our full review to find out why). But for this year’s edition of the festival, we’ll settle for the Belgian-born chef’s specially curated creations, including Organic Vegetable Tart Niçoise (did we mention he grows his own micro greens?) and Free Range Chicken 3 Ways. The festival menu is available from 15th to 23rd March, with optional wine pairing.
See the full menu here. For reservations and enquiries, log on to the website here.
2OX French Bistro
Those who favour a more relaxed setting that doesn’t compromise on the quality of food will appreciate the laid-back charm of this bistro and bar. Since taking over the kitchen in 2017, Chef Phillip Murray Dominic has given traditional French dishes his personal twist without disregarding the authenticity factor. The same finesse can be expected of his five-course menu for the festival, which includes a delectable Pear Brulee with Passion Fruit Crémeux, Earl Grey Gelée and Mascarpone Ice Cream.
See the full menu here. For reservations and enquiries, call 03 2692 2233.
French Feast
Nested in a restored shophouse from the 1930s, French Feast boasts a classic meets contemporary vibe that’s equally ideal for date nights or group hangouts. It is famed for making its own sauces, stock, charcuterie, bread and patisserie, in addition to carrying an arsenal of boutique French wines curated personally by chef and restauranteur Jean Michel Fraisse. Tempting us for a visit this festival period is a special Gaul’s menu, featuring Wild-boar stew in red wine and red currant jelly, for example.
See the full menu here. For reservations and enquiries, call 03 2110 6283 or log on to the official website here.
Cocott’
As the name hints, Cocott’ prides itself in the French tradition of using cocottes to cook dishes which are made for sharing. So if you’re planning to celebrate the festival with a meal with a group of friends, its modern setting and shareable portions are positive points for consideration. Among the dishes on the festival menu are Smoked Duck & Orange Salad, Foie Gras Parfait filled Brioche and the restaurant’s signature Melted Raclette Cheese. The menu will be available from 21st to 27th March, with optional wine pairing.
For reservations and enquiries, call 03 2712 4481, email info@cocottkl.com or log on to the official website here.
Cilantro
Over the years, Cilantro’s brand of French cuisine has come to be known as one that’s minimal in plating, but expressive in flavour. Chef Takashi Kimura, who helms the kitchen, brings this culinary trademark to the table for Gout De France with a course-by-course menu featuring dishes like Roasted White Asparagus with Noisette Butter and Lobster with Sauce Américaine.
For reservations and enquiries, call 03 2179 8082 or log on to the official website here.
For more information on Gout de France or to see the full list of participating restaurants, log on to the official website here.
Images: Courtesy of respective establishments