EVENT DESCRIPTION
French GourMay Food & Wine Festival is the one and only major festival in Hong Kong and Macau dedicated to gastronomy à la française, organised by French Trade Commission – Business France, under the umbrella of French May Arts Festival. As part of the 31st edition of French May Arts Festival, the 15th edition of French GourMay, with Hong Kong Tourism Board as supporting organisation, will celebrate the Tastes of South of France from Occitanie. From 1 to 31 May 2024, French GourMay will present this region’s wines and culinary specialties with over 150 partners in Hong Kong and Macau.
The festival will be highlighted by the 10th edition of ”French GourMay Market”, supported by Chinachem Group, from 2-5 May at Central Market, and 7-10 June at NINA MALL (free admission).
Occitanie, a land of diversity with rich gastronomic traditions
Located in Southwestern France, Occitanie’s landscapes are shaped by two flanking mountain ranges, the Pyrenees in the South and the Massif Central in the North. Between them is a plain with a great variety of landscapes, from the chalk plateaus of Quercy to the Mediterranean coasts of Gard. This land of contrasts is a mosaic of colours, cultures and histories that are naturally reflected in its gastronomic traditions.
The Largest Wine Region in the World
The Occitanie Region is France’s number one wine-producing region, representing one-third of national volumes. The variety of its climates and soils guarantee the wines produced on this exceptional land delivers one of the broadest aromatic palettes there is. Benefiting from exceptional sunshine that naturally favours the ripening of grapes, Occitanie is also blessed with strong regional winds that play an essential role as a natural bulwark against disease.
Vineyards of the region are spread over the areas of Languedoc, Roussillon, part of the Rhône Valley and two- thirds of the South-West area, offering an incredible diversity of terroirs, grape varieties, and appellations. Pays d’Oc is considered as the 5th area of production and covers the whole territory of Languedoc and Roussillon. The eastern part of Occitanie expresses the innate style of Mediterranean wine perfectly, from varietal to more complex wines. On the western part, wines present very specific characteristics of freshness and vivacity, with more of a ripe fruit touch.
A Variety of Quality Agricultural Specialties
Taking advantage of the richness of its lands, agriculture and breeding are thriving in the South of France. While foie gras and cassoulet are among the most well-recognised regional specialties, fresh Mediterranean seafood is an equally important part of local food culture. In addition to its signature honeys, this leading region in organic farming also offers a complete range of tasteful fruits such as melons, peaches and apples throughout the seasons. And when it comes to dairy products, the classic Roquefort – dubbed the “King of Cheeses” – is one the most emblematic cheeses of France.
French GourMay 2024 Chef Ambassador – Mr. Nicolas Boutin
Executive Chef Nicolas Boutin’s impressive culinary career has taken him around the world, inspiring him to draw on his spirit of adventure to combine the use of pure, simple flavours with timeless ingredients that are light, seasonal and healthy.
Chef Nicolas started his career in France, where he learned fundamental skills in notable restaurants such as Lameloise (3 MICHELIN Stars), Troisgros (3 MICHELIN Stars), Jardin de l’Opera (2 MICHELIN Stars) and Jean Bardet (2 MICHELIN Stars). In 2002, his career hit new heights when he joined two MICHELIN-starred chef Michel Portos at the renowned restaurant, Hauterive Saint-James in Bordeaux. This culinary journey has shaped Chef Nicolas to innovate outside the realms of classic cuisine.
In 2013, he returned to Hong Kong and became the Executive Chef of Gourmet Dining Group and the one MICHELIN starred ÉPURE. With his world-class credentials, culinary artistry and love for simplicity, he offers guests in Ami and Wood Ear a dining experience like no other.
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