Forever French this Wednesday: win passes for “Haute Cuisine”
Based on the extraordinary true story of President François Mitterand’s private cook, “Haute Cuisine” is a mouth-watering comedy that should not be watched on an empty stomach.
The world of Hortense Laborie (Catherine Frot), a successful chef in Périgord, is tipped upside down when she is appointed as personal cook for the President at the Elysée Palace. At first she faces resentment and resistance from the kitchen staff, but the spirited Hortense gradually wins them over. However, she soon discovers that the real heat is not in the kitchen, but in the halls of the Palace with constant battles for influence over the Chief of State.
Jean D’Ormesson, a Paris born novelist and member of the Académie Française, makes his feature film debut playing the President opposite the César award winning and hugely popular actress, Catherine Frot. Her engaging central character’s good humour, passion for traditional French dishes and strong personality make you dive into the plot with respect and fascination for her savoir-faire.
“Haute Cuisine” was the Alliance Française Film Festival 2013 opening night film.
Danièle Mazr-Delpeuch, from whom the film was inspired, was in Sydney for a few weeks recently to present the film and talk about her experience in the kitchen of the Elysee Palace.
“Haute Cuisine” is light in touch, subtle in flavour and deliciously French.
Supporters of Eastside Radio can win double passes to watch the film this Wednesday by listening to “Forever French” from 8 to 9:30pm.