There is a magical allure associated with Puducherry. Be it the residents, people from nearby towns and cities, or even people from across the globe, the spell is cast upon everyone. And if you are planning a trip during the weekend, be ready for a gastronomic adventure. A Bite of France, an Indo-French food festival, is a chance to reminisce long lost delicacies from a bygone era. You can enjoy a range of food inspired by France and Vietnam and also listen to some Indo French fusion band music.
Jacob Mathew and Sherin Linda Rheeman of Tablo Noir are the organisers of the event, which aims to bring out the authenticity of Puducherry.
“This is a first ever, one of its kind of fest being organised in Puducherry. The idea is to bring together Indo French culture not only through food, but also in terms of culture, art and shopping as well,” says Mathew.
He had collaborated with Puducherry Tourism, and the event is being organised in a private property, sprawling across 33,000 square feet .
13641938 - quiche with mozzarella and spinach
Well-known restaurants in Puducherry such as Adithi, Ananda Inn, Palais de Mahe and Santhi Inn and restaurants such as Cafe Xtasi and Umami will display a customised menu for this event to embrace the typical Puducherry cuisine. Puducherry-based chocolatier, Zuka, an expert in French patisserie, will be showcasing exclusive pastries and chocolates.
A global platter
The highlight of this event is The Pondy Stall which will showcase a typical menu exclusive to only Puducherry influenced by French, Vietnamese and Creole cuisines.
The chefs have come together and developed a special menu exclusively for A Bite of France. “French officers from Puducherry were positioned in Vietnam and that is how the culinary connection came to be. In fact, my mother-in-law’s father was also stationed in Vietnam,” says Mathew.
Carnival atmosphere
The festival is themed like the old French carnival. Mathew has completely redone the landscape of the land where the event is to be held. He has attempted to convert the place and created French streets and market places, and each street has a name too. One of the biggest highlights of the festival is the performance of a 11-member band from the Reunion Islands, and various other French bands. “Music played by the Reunion Island band will bring out the Tamil culture which has blended with the French culture, bringing out the essence of cultural fusion,” says Mathew. Popular DJs will also be performing at the event.
Works of various artists from Puducherry will be displayed at the event, which is spread across three days. And for shoppers, there is a range of organic products, from clothing to skin care.
Amethyst from Chennai, Bon Organics from Auroville ( an initiative to promote employment for women), and Deivee and Moborr from Bengaluru will display their products.
The event is planned in such a manner that it is a kaleidoscope of music, culture, dance and cuisine of India and France, says Mathew. Artists and dancers from the Reunion Islands will perform their native form of music and dance: Les Tambours Sacres, the Sega and the Maloya.
Puducherry-based musicians, bands, orchestras and singers, will also be performing on the same stage.
There is an entry fee of ₹500 (inclusive of cover charge, food and beverages)
@Sinnaya Gardens,
2, SV Patel Salai, Puducherry
August 11, 12 and 13, 11 am to 10 pm
9940302386
