The first day of spring, the 21st of March, a thousand restaurants around the world will be marking the day with a gastronomic event. Goût de France, or Good France, is a project that was organized on the initiative of Alain Ducasse and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development in France. 1,000 restaurants will prepare an evening of French inspired cuisine and the Bugenvila restaurant in Cavtat has been chosen to be a part of this worldwide celebration.

The Dubrovnik Times caught up with the founder and co-owner of Bugenvila in Cavtat, Igor Korousic, to discover how his restaurant got involved in the Goût de France. In 2015 the idea of Goût de France was born after a group of foodies in France wanted to revive an old event that was all about celebrating French culture. “This is not just a celebration of French cuisine, this is more connected to the French way of life, the bright colours, the country life, the culture, the happiness,” said Korousic.

This is the second year that Goût de France has been held. Dinners served simultaneously in participating restaurants will honour the merits of French cuisine, its capacity for innovation, and its values: sharing, enjoying, and respecting the principles of high-quality, environmentally responsible cuisine. 1,000 chefs, preparing 1,000 dinners in five continents are expected to take part on the 21st of March.

“We have prepared a menu that reflects the happiness of France, the colours of France, of course we will have French wine on offer and French cheese on the night,” explained Korousic. Adding that he had created a menu that captures the spirit of France, and the first day of spring.
Traditional French cuisine is not a dominion of the 21st century culinary scene. Participating chefs are encouraged to blend their own culinary culture to that of France, rather than discounting it, commented the organisers of this worldwide event.

“The first day of spring symbolises a time of new beginnings, and I think that we have found the right combination in our menu for Goût de France,” commented Korousic. Only ten restaurants in Croatia were chosen to participate in this illustrious evening, and only two in this region, along with Bugenvila the Stara Loza restaurant in the old city of Dubrovnik will also be taking part.

Bugenvila in Cavtat