Bastille Day, which was celebrated in France and by French around the world earlier this week, is poised to become a high-profile event in Perth as the number of French chefs bringing their flair to local culinary businesses grows.
Novotel Perth Langley Hotel has just appointed French-born Xavier Pique as executive chef. Mr Pique has been a sous chef at the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal, Canada, at Michelin-star restaurants in London and France, most notably Arlequin restaurant in London, and Gill and Le Beffroy in France. Other Perth-based French chefs include Must Wine Bar's magician of charcuterie, Andre Mahé.
Pierre Ichallalene took over the popular Eminem last year and turned it into a French restaurant, Chez Pierre, while Frederic Verschoore moved to Perth last year to own and now operates Fremantle's Great Mellie restaurant. Meanwhile, Wembley-based French cuisine institution Bouchon Bistro celebrated its fifth anniversary last year.
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There has been plenty of debate in recent years about whether moderate consumption of wine can keep your heart healthy.
Perth cardiologist and founder of Margaret River winery, Thompson Estate, Dr Peter Thompson, will fill in Perth's foodies on all the facts and fables about the virtues of wine for health at écucina's inaugural 'hearts and wines' dinner on Wednesday July 30, from 7pm.
The five-course menu includes dishes such as steamed yabbie tails, truffle and chive risotto and pesto crusted emperor, salted branded cod with white anchovy, dill salad and a lime butter sauce.
Jane and Peter Thompson established Thompson Estate in 1997 and are also partners in nearby Pierro and Fire Gully vineyards.
