Le Fooding d’amour Creates “Le buzz” in Queens

New York played host to a unique event for Francophiles, gastronomes and art lovers this past weekend. Chefs and artists from both sides of the Atlantic descended on Queens for Le Fooding d’amour, a meeting of food, drink and art at the P.S. 1 contemporary art center.  With the 7 train squealing in the background, guests tasted, sipped, mingled and mused (and waited in line).

The organization hosting the event is called Le Fooding. Do not feel bad if you cringe or shudder at the name. The name is a compound of “food” and “feeling.” Fooding? It’s not exactly the work of a wordsmith, and attaching the “le” feels like the half-baked attempt of an American businessman to exude a “French touch.” But let’s go with it; they certainly do exude Frenchness, and to great effect.

Le Fooding got its start in France in 2000. The mission was to demystify French cuisine and get the French to consider expanding their canon of Michelin stars. Sounds like fun. Le Fooding became a way to give exposure to new chefs through large picnics where gourmands could meet and taste new innovations.

Le Fooding d’amour brought the concept to American shores, along with the opportunity to raise some money for Action Against Hunger. True, shaking loose the bonds of the culinary establishment is not as pressing as it once was in the ever-innovative American market, but showing a different side of French gastronomy is always welcome. Indeed, the French culinary establishment hasn’t exactly shunned Le Fooding—many well-known chefs figured prominently on the program. The evening was not the “foodstock” the organizers promised; it was more like a chic picnic with well-heeled New Yorkers and French ex-patriots trying not to get their high heels stuck in the grass.  If only all picnics were as yummy.

Guests explored several courtyards where white tents had been set up to house the various chefs. The $30 advance tickets bought access to any of the food, à volonté. But the tickets did not buy shorter lines (40 minutes for ice cream!). One of the highlights was the Moroccan couscous served up by Daniel Boulud from Bistrot Moderne in New York. Despite his celebrity, Boulud worked unassumingly next to his team on Saturday night. Inaki Aizpitarte of Le Chateaubriand in Paris made steak the centerpiece of his presentation—fitting for a barbeque, but with side sauces and stews fit for a king.

It was an evening to be enjoyed with friends and to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of French culture in New York. Le Fooding as an organization has grown beyond what its original purpose was—to bring forth new talent in an inviting atmosphere—but that is not to say that Le Fooding d’amour was not worth every bite.

Additional Information:

Going to France? Check out their website for their restaurant recommendations.

Check out France Today‘s complete restaurant guide.