Saint-Étienne aimed to break the world record for the largest raclette ever organized. No Guiness Book today, but a crazy atmosphere at the exhibition center this Sunday March 17. The idea was launched by Saint-Etienne comedian Chicandier last December. She exceeded her expectations.
“I come to eat and party”, confides Catherine, golden crown on her head and smile on her lips. In front of her, a plate garnished with cold meats, potatoes and melted cheese. At the Saint-Etienne exhibition center this Sunday, the atmosphere was worthy of a match day. Hot, boiling and fragrant with cheese.
Raclette fans in Saint-Etienne
If Saint-Etienne aspired to become the capital of the raclette and dethroning Savoie, it has at least won the prize for festive atmosphere. It was the actor and comedian Jason Chicandier who had the idea of launching this XXXL raclette challenge. And the public responded, exceeding all their expectations. As soon as the event was announced, tickets sold like hotcakes.
“It’s crazy, it’s crazy. We knew there were people there, but I didn’t expect that! It’s incredible! It’s popular, people are delighted. There are smiles on faces, it feels good. It’s great”. The operation is clearly a great success. The comedian explains it simply.
I think right now there’s a need for lighter stuff. We don’t sell much, except happiness. We forget about the troubles for a while.
Jason ChicandierHumorist
And the enthusiasm is contagious. “Finding myself here, I find it incredible. It’s nice, it’s good-natured. I’m having a blast, I’m having a blast!” declares Luc Alphand who can’t believe the atmosphere at the exhibition center. In total, 2,236 guests responded to support the record for the largest raclette ever organized. Some didn’t hesitate to take out their disguises for this festive Sunday… Others sang the essential Green anthem!
For this gargantuan raclette, the figures would almost give you indigestion: “620 kilos of cheese, 350 kilos of cold meats, a ton of potatoes, 1.2 km of tablecloth, 70 servers and a hundred exhibitors and volunteers… crazy stuff”assures Maxime Balouzat, the big man of the operation. “It’s a friendly event on a Sunday lunchtime. People seem super happy. That’s what we’re looking for. Next year, we’ll do it again and I think we’ll do double that! 5,000 people! “promises the latter.
The Loire comedian, incarnation of the Gallic spirit, is not short of ideas. He is already imagining other crazy challenges: sauerkraut in Saint-Tropez or even bouillabaisses in Dunkirk…