One of my favorite things to do when I visit a foreign country is to roam the grocery store aisles for specialty condiments and canned goods that I can't find in the U.S. When I came back from Argentina, I brought home pre-made packets of chimichurri herbs, paprika and canned hearts of palm. When I came back from Spain, I brought Spanish mayonesa (mayonnaise), aioli and sauce to make patatas bravas (spicy potatoes). And when I came back from France, I brought French truffle oil, French chocolate, hand-made macarons, butter cookies and more.
I mention these three countries because they have each been featured during Central Market's annual two-week "Passport" food and culture celebration. Two years ago, items like Argentinian salt and alfajores (cookies filled with dulce de leche) were available during Passport Argentina. Last year, celebrity chefs from Spain were flown in to preside over classes in the Central Market cooking school for Passport Spain.
This year, Francophiles and French food lovers can rejoice because from now through May 22, Central Market will be hosting Passport France.
In the cooking school, DIY-ers can take classes on making macarons, choux, soufflé, sauces and more. They can also learn how to select cheese, meet French champagne and winemakers, and hobnob with celebrity French chefs, like French Master Chef Patrice Olivon (Iron Chef winner, PBS Dinner Is Served series), who will be presiding over tonight's tented kickoff event with a menu entitled "Taste of Provence." Chef Anne Willan of La Varenne will also be in town for a rare public appearance in one of the cooking school classes on May 19.
Throughout the store, new French products, available for a limited time only, will be on display. Think hard-to-find condiments, drinks, cookies, coffee, spices and more. In the cheese department, more than 40 new cheeses will be available for purchase, with free cheese classes in that department on certain dates.
More than 300 French wines will be featured for the event, with 61 wines from Burgundy, more than 50 wines each from Rhone and Bordeaux, 18 from the Loire Valley, 22 from Languedoc, nine from Beaujolais and more than 50 Champagnes. Of the wines and Champagnes featured, more than 100 are exclusive to Central Market.
Central Market's artisan bakers were even sent to France and California for specialty training so that they could offer more than 40 new breads, including ZigZag Vivarais, Pain Marguerite, Fougasse, Miche, baguette Viennoise, brioche Vendéenne and Pan Brie.
If past years are any indication, you'll also be welcomed by the sound of French music wafting over the store's audio system. There will free cultural lessons and tasting opportunities at various times each day as well. Check the detailed listing at the end of this post for a full schedule of free events.
It's a truly wonderful, grandiose two-week foodie-fest that only happens for two weeks each year, and when it's gone it's gone. In my experience, the popular items will fly off the shelves, so if you see something you like, pick it up while it's available. When the two-week celebration is over, your passport to France is, too.
The following is a full list of free activities available through the store during Passport France:
