Chef Christophe and Josephine Gregoire are presenting a number of events as part of the So France – So Good culinary festival. Photo: Christophe Gregoire.
French cuisine is considered the global standard of cooking, and its influence has spread worldwide, with chefs from diverse cultures training in the French style to refine their craft. To celebrate Australia’s love of French food, the French Embassy is once again celebrating its So France – So Good initiative across Australia from 17 June to 1 July.
Local foodies Chef Christophe Gregoire and Josephine Gagliardi-Gregoire are well known in the Canberra region for their dedication to all things French gastronomy.
Chef Christophe was born in France but for many years has made his home in Bungendore, where he and Josephine ran their restaurant, Les Tres Bon. Since closing the restaurant, the pair have focused on their truffle farm, gourmet tours and educational experiences.
They will be hosting several events during So France – So Good, including truffle hunts and collaborations with other Canberra restaurants and institutions.
Christophe Gregoire receiving one of the oldest awards in the French Republic – the National Order of Agricultural Merit, or l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole. Photo: Christophe Gregoire.
French Ambassador to Australia H.E. Pierre-André Imbert explained that this annual celebration is a way to include the Australian community in supporting French gastronomy.
“In Australia, So France – So Good will be an opportunity to promote our products, our know-how and our art of living; hundreds of restaurateurs, caterers, importers and producers will be helping to celebrate the richness of our gastronomy.”
In 2024, Christophe was awarded the Knight’s Medal of the Order of Agricultural Merit (Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole), which was established in 1883 and conferred upon individuals who have rendered distinguished service to agriculture-related activities and the arts.
“We’ve been involved in So France – So Good from the beginning, but it makes it more important now that Christophe has his medal,” Josephine told Region.
“There is French expertise being imparted all over the world, but using local produce and exploring the local terroir. It’s a word that doesn’t have a direct translation, but it means connection to land and to place, so it’s a beautiful concept.”
Alliance Française will host Chef Christophe for a So France So Good event. Photo: Supplied.
Christophe has collaborated with Braddon Merchant at Midnight Hotel to create a four-course seasonal menu, inspired by French cuisine and featuring local ingredients, including truffles from his own farm! Premium French wines will be paired with dishes such as beetroot and pomelo tartare, truffled beef cheek, and a zesty lemon tart with toasted meringue.
The following week, the pair will serve a truffle demonstration and tasting in collaboration with the Canberra Alliance Française, featuring truffled chocolates.
They will also be hosting a range of events on their truffle farm as peak truffle season gets underway in the region.
Visit the So France – So Good for more events.
The Braddon Merchant dinner will be held on Friday, 20 June.
The Alliance Française Truffle Demonstration and Tasting will be held on 26 June.
Find out more about Chef Christophe and Josephine at their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
