Cuisine Cordiale?
French gastronomy in the UK
Tue. 16 November 2021 - 6.15pm to 7.30pm - Online Talk
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On Tuesday 16 November, the Alliance Française de Manchester is delighted to whet your appetite for French culture with an online discussion featuring two exceptional guests: Debra Kelly, Professor at the University of Westminster, and French chef Olivier Troalen.
What do French and British cuisines have in common and what are their differences? In what ways has French cuisine influenced how and what we eat in the UK, and are there any points in history where the links between the two were particularly significant? Drawing on their experience and research, our two speakers will take us on a delicious journey around the tables of Britain and France, and following their discussion, will answer any questions you might have.
For all foodies and gastronomy enthusiasts - join us online on Tuesday 16 November at 6:15pm!
OUR GUESTS:
Debra Kelly
Debra Kelly is Professor Emerita in Modern Languages, School of Humanities, University of Westminster, London and a Senior Visiting
Research Fellow at King’s College London working with the Centre for Language Acts and Worldmaking.
She has published widely in French and Francophone literary and cultural studies and on Franco-British cultural relations. Her current
research focuses on the historical and contemporary French and Francophone communities in London, and she is co-editor of A History
of the French in London. Liberty,
Equality, Opportunity (2013) and
author of Fishes with Funny French Names. The French Restaurant in London from the 19th to the 21stCentury (2021).
In 2005 she was made a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French Government in recognition of her services to French
language, literature and culture.
Olivier Troalen
Always passionate about food and cooking, Olivier Troalen trained at a catering school in Paris before securing a position at the French Embassy in London during the 1990s. He waited on Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, Baroness Margaret Thatcher and Diana Princess of Wales when they all dined at the Embassy!
He then moved to the North West of England with the desire of bringing to this region outstanding French food, cooked and served in elegant surroundings.
His dream came into reality when he purchased the restaurant La Boheme in Lymm (Cheshire) and created a space where everyone can feel welcomed by staff whose attention to detail, commitment and service is truly appreciated.
Olivier Troalen likes to think of himself as “as the conductor of a finely tuned orchestra – each member of the team has a role to play in ensuring the success of every service.” He has conducted many cookery demonstrations and has published a recipe book: “La Boheme: A Taste of France in North West England”