The very best of French food and wine will be showcased at New Caledonia’s top restaurants from Tuesday 4 August to Saturday 9 August for “Touch of France” week.
 
The festival, a new event for 2009, will see five of New Caledonia’s top restaurants - L'Hippocampe (Meridien Noumea), 360° (Ramada), Marmite et Tire Bouchon, Coté Sud and the Lycée Escoffier host top chefs from France and around the world to produce the best of French food for visitors to enjoy as a special set menu.
 
Celebrity chef and New Caledonia gourmet ambassador Julie Le Clerc will represent New Zealand, and attend the week along with Gabriel Gate from Australia, Didier Clément from France and others. During the week, Ms Le Clerc will work with local chefs to produce a menu utilising French food and specially matched French wine.
 
On the last evening, there will be a finale dinner at the world famous Escoffier Cooking School, Noumea … open to the public and an event not to be missed by gourmet connoisseurs!
 
Visitors to New Caledonia can find out more about the gastronomic events on offer during Touch of France Week at www.newcaledonia.co.nz.