Of Compiegne to Troyes, Nathalie Helal gives us more or less well-kept little gastronomic secrets. Do you know Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite dish who lived in the castle of Compiègne? Did you know that Noyon hosts a red fruit market since the 19th century? And what culinary specialties can we taste in Troyes?
At the table of Napoleon Bonaparte
Etienne Guibertheritage curator in charge of the Historic Apartments of the Château de Compiègne, is invited by Nathalie Helal, to tell us the story of the Compiegne castlewhich was built by Louis XV and Louis XVI and refitted under Napoleon I and then Napoleon III.
Marion Godfroyhistorian and author (she has notably published Napoleon, what was he eating?), tells us that Napoleon was not a fine gourmet, who had little taste for the pleasures of the table. That being the case, he had to offer a table worthy of his ambitions: chambertin, chicken Marengosirloin à la Montebello, imperial salmon, the cuisine dear to the emperor is not lacking in flavour.
The Noyon red fruit market
Nathalie Helal continues her journey to the surroundings of Noyon to meet Paul-Henri Carluproducer of red fruits and seasonal vegetables from Rimbercourt Farm in Crissolès.
Red fruits are a long tradition in Noyon. City of exchanges and markets since the Middle Ages, Noyon saw the birth in the 19th century of the red fruit market which takes place every year on the first Sunday of July. Brought up to date in 1987, today is an opportunity toa big party where local associations and producers, craftsmen and gourmets gather.
Aube cuisine told by the mayor of Troyes, François Baroin
It is in Troyes that this “Gourmet stage” ends in the company of its mayor, Francois Baroin. A hunter and fisherman in his spare time, François Baroin talks with Nathalie Helal about Aube cuisine, rustic and refined, both in terms of the quality of its gastronomy and the variety of its specialities: Andouillette (AAAAA), Chaource (AOC cheese), and Prunelle de Troyes, a liqueur made from sloe pits since 1840 in old stills and in a much older house, under the sign of the St. Peter Cellar.