Saturday, November 5, at 6:00 PM, chefs will celebrate their patron saint in the Saint-Pierre d’Arène church in Nice. Come share your specialties with them: they will love it!
I have always been told that when it was my birthday or my special day, I shouldn’t do anything! It’s the chefs’ celebration, so the principle applies, even if they have a surprise in store for us… I’ll tell you about it soon.
Based on the invitation, the celebration promises to be grand: all culinary associations and regional brotherhoods are getting involved, and we’ve never seen so many chefs and defenders of fine products parading in dress, or banners waving, in honor of their patron saint.
The Grand Cordon d’Or
The Disciples of Auguste Escoffier
The brotherhood of friends of wine and pork from the heart of Var
The colors will be there, the music to come! The association “Pour le Panache,” from the Bravade of Annot, the Association of Living History and Experimental Archeology, the Saint Paul de Vence Harmony, and the band “L’écho de la Vaïre” will open the procession in the church and perform during the celebration.
Personally, I had a few questions and here are the answers:
Who is Venance Fortunat? A 5th-century troubadour originally from the Ravenna region in Italy, he was always welcomed at the best tables. Cured of an eye disease after praying to Saint Martin, he went on a pilgrimage to the tomb of the holy bishop in Tours, converted, met Saint Radegonde, a Thuringian princess, and continued to compose rhymes — but for the lives of saints! — before becoming the bishop of Poitiers.
Who is Gil Florini? The parish priest of Saint-Pierre d’Arène and dean of Nice Center, rector of the sanctuary of the Madone d’Utelle, singer, pastis distiller, and seller of gourmet artisan products, the father is an aesthete, if not a gourmand. He crossed paths with Saint Fortunat in Villeneuve-Loubet, the birthplace of Auguste Escoffier. Click here to see the priest’s video.
What connects Auguste Escoffier to this story? Saint Laurence, martyred on a grill, named patron of cooks? For the “king of chefs and chef of kings,” this was a (bad) joke, which I agree with! He therefore preferred Saint Fortunat. It all comes full circle!
What will be served at the banquet? All the good things brought by the faithful wishing to share and let the chefs taste their specialties. I’ve already decided on the delicious cake with Menton bergamot and its fondant topping, by Angélique. Enthusiasts can find easy chef recipes on the Mikuy.fr blog. To stay updated on developments and preparations, or to contribute, visit the dedicated Facebook page. Definitely bookmark it!
Discover the event trailer here.
