It’s easy to make a reservation at your favourite French fine dining restaurant and enjoy an exquisite meal, but have you ever wondered about the intricacies of the table setting, dining etiquette and even its historical significance?
Giving us food for thought is À Table!, an event spotlighting the French art of fine dining organised by Alliance Française.
Happening from now till 3 May, there will be a host of activities that revolves around the theme of gastronomy. First, the exhibition La Table Dans Tous Ses États (The Table In All Its States) is an eye opener that showcases the versatility and elegance of the French table through three specially furnished dining tables. They are furnished with iconic objects from brand partners Christofle, Baccarat, Bernardaud.
There is also a collection of historical menus linking France and the Southeast Asian region, such as those from state dinners offered by the French president to the late King Rama IX of Thailand or even to the former President of the Republic of Singapore.
Want to learn how to dine like the French? Sign up for workshops ranging from wine, champagne and cheese tasting to dining etiquette and the French art of setting a table.
Don’t forget to check out the gastronomy-themed cinema programme featuring documentaries on dining and dining culture that will whet your appetite for French cuisine.
If you want to delve deeper into the cultural significance of French dining, the “Conference On Gastrodiplomacy” will shed light on the link between food and diplomacy. Guillaume Gomez, former chef at the Elysée Palace and author of À la table des présidents , will give us an insider’s perspective into what goes on behind the scenes of state dinners and receptions at the presidential palace. Joining the panel will also be Ambassador of France to Monaco Laurent Stefanini, who will share the importance of gastronomy in forging ties between countries. The conference will be introduced by Ambassador of France to Singapore Marc Abensour.
Finally, learn to cook iconic French dishes such as tarte aux pommes, ratatouille and boeuf bourguignon through a series of online cooking masterclasses on Alliance Française’s Facebook page.
À Table! is part of the French Excellence programme, so look out for more themed events in the coming months. Get more information here.
Most workshops are sold out at time of writing but more have been added due to popular request. Additional dining etiquette workshops are available on 1 May (11.30am and 3pm), and 3 May (6.30pm).
