There are events like this that I am just itching to introduce to you. That is exactly how I feel about the first edition of Goûts d’Yvelines, a unique public event focused on gastronomy, organized by Yvelines Tourisme in collaboration with the General Council of the Yvelines department.
This event will be held every day from November 16th to December 1st, 2013 to highlight the expertise of local Yvelines chefs and the region’s local products (mushrooms, snails, smoked fish, market garden produce, beer…).
Conviviality, well-being, and healthy eating will be the keywords of Goûts d’Yvelines.
As a taste of the Christmas holidays, this unifying event will bring the public together for 3 weeks, around food professionals, restaurateurs, artisans, and producers, in an atmosphere of simple pleasures, exchange, and generosity.
On the program: culinary workshops, demonstrations, tastings of local products, behind-the-scenes tours, gourmet shops, and flavor discoveries.
Special Goûts d’Yvelines menus will also be offered throughout the duration of the event by the department’s restaurateurs.
MelleBonPlan’s top picks:
- The first highlight of the event on Sunday, November 17th from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM with the launch of Goûts d’Yvelines at the Versailles Convention Center with three rounds of battles featuring two competitors coached by a chef or a ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’ (Best Craftsman of France), which will take place in front of the public. Alternately, chefs will offer culinary demonstrations.
Great tip: admission is free.
Note: competitors have been recruited since mid-October via the dedicated blog by submitting their best recipe crafted from fine local Yvelines products.
- A second highlight is organized on Sunday, December 1st to close the 1st edition of Goûts d’Yvelines in style.
Head to the Domaine de la Corniche in Rolleboise for beautiful workshops offered by Vakhtang Meliava and other chefs.
Great tip: it is free, but only after registration.
- The Ferme de Viltain (dairy production and U-pick farm open during the autumn season) and its adorable owners welcome you on 11/16 and 11/17 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
They invite visitors to taste their fabulous fresh cream cheeses (faisselles) and their delicious small fresh cheeses. As a bonus, you get to leave with small recipes.
Family tip: if you want to know everything about making faisselles, it is from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (10 minutes), and you can’t leave without visiting the milking parlor, also known as the “cow carousel.” Plus, it’s free!
- The Ferme de la Quoiquerie and its activity demonstrating the transition from artisanal to industrial recipes.
- The Ferme de la Grand Maison and its charcuterie tastings.
- The Bergerie Nationale in Rambouillet and its gourmet workshops (family tip: every child leaves with a snack made from farm products).
- The Château de Monte-Cristo in Port-Marly, which was the home of Alexandre Dumas, offers a guided tour of this superb house of a famous man, surrounded by a very pretty park and the tiny Château d’If.
See you on 11/17 at 2:30 PM (duration 1h30), €11/person.
