Babette's Feast: Thursday, Jan. 26
Epicure's Revue returns for 2012 with a favourite food film
by Staff
Epicure’s Revue returns Thursday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m., with Babette’s Feast, one of the most memorable food movies ever made.
What better production to watch in the middle of winter than this heart-warming film, based on a short story by Isak Dinesen, about the transformative powers of a superb meal, prepared with generosity and love by an artist of classic French cuisine.
Veteran food stylist Olga Truchan will be on hand to discuss the finer points of classic French cuisine showcased in this film. For more about Olga, click here.
And while you may not get to savour real turtle soup or caviar before the film, as Babette's diners did, we'll have some delicious samples for you from local chefs. For example, Tim English at The Chocolateria on Roncesvalles will whip up a dark chocolate mousse with a raspberry coulis and candied mint leaves. Click here for the menu, which will be updated as the participants let us know their plans.
Set in 19th century Denmark, in a small remote village, the film tells the story of two sisters, brought up by their father, a pastor in an austere Christian sect. They were great beauties when they were young, pursued by suitors, but they remained with their father and after his death continued to preside over the dwindling, and increasingly fractious, congregation. Into this glum environment, comes Babette, a refugee from France, who brings with her an appreciation and talent for good food.
Here is the menu prepared by Babette for her employers and their friends, after she had won 10,000 francs in a lottery. The source: Wikipedia:
Potage à la Tortue (turtle soup); Blinis Demidoff au Caviar (buckwheat cakes with caviar and sour cream); Caille en Sarcophage avec Sauce Perigourdine (quail in puff pastry shell with foie gras and truffle sauce); a salad featuring Belgian chicory and walnuts in a vinaigrette; and Les Fromages featuring blue cheese, papaya, figs, grapes, pineapple, and pomegranate. The grand finale dessert is Savarin au Rhum avec des Figues et Fruits Glacées (rum sponge cake with figs and glacéed fruits).
The meal began with amontillado. Numerous rare wines followed, including an 1845 Clos de Vougeot, along with an 1860 Veuve Clicquot champagne and spirits.
Babette also ensured that the superb food and drink would be served in appropriate style, purchasing the finest china, crystal and linen with which to set the table.
Dates for Epicure events to June are below:
Casablanca: Thursday, February 23, 6:30 p.m.What would Rick have served along with the champagne cocktails and brandy?
Mondovino: Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. A documentary about wine making.
The Importance of Being Earnest: Thursday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. We’re celebrating Victoria Day with a look at the English tradition of afternoon and high teas.
Thursday, June 28, 6:30 p.m.: For the month of marriages, we thought The Wedding Banquet , directed by Ang Lee. We’re looking forward to an entertaining evening with a focus on Chinese cuisine!