Thursday, June 25, 2015

Inauguration of the Academy of Culinary Art for the Creole World

On the morning of June 20, 2015, the headquarters for the Académie de l'Art Culinaire du Monde Créole (Academy of Culinary Art for the Creole World) was officially inaugurated at 94, rue Vitruve in the upper 20th arrondissement.

The Academy's overriding purpose is to promote Creole art, culture, and gastronomy in France and throughout the world.

Banner - Académie de l'Art Culinaire du Monde Créole
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A brief ceremony began with words by President Georges (Joby) Garnier and General Secretary Nicole Etienne,

Nicole Etienne and Georges (Joby) Garnier
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who spoke of several goals set forth for the organization, including:

  • the creation of a marketing label "Le Monde Créole" (The Creole World)
  • the foundation of a cooking school specializing in Creole cuisine
  • the recognition of Creole gastronomy as a distinct entity by UNESCO and the general French public.

They were followed by Antoine Prudent, President of the Observatoire Nationale Des Originaires d’Outre-mer (ONDOM)*,

Antoine Prudent
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and Minister of Overseas Territories George Pau-Langevin,

Minister George Pau-Langevin
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who voiced their support for the agenda established by the Academy.

Other notable figures in attendance were Fanélie Carrey-Conte, Deputy of the 20th arrondissement; Hamou Bouakkaz, Counselor of the 20th arrondissement; and Jean-Claude Cadenet, Director of LADOM : L’Agence de l’Outre-mer pour la Mobilité (Agency for Overseas Mobility - an organization that assists citizens in the overseas territories to travel between their homeland and France).

From left to right:
Antoine Prudent, George Pau-Langevin, Georges Garnier,
Fanélie Carrey-Conte, Hamou Bouakkaz, and Jean-Claude Cadenet
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Attendees then filed out of the building to witness the unveiling of the official plaque that is mounted on the wall adjacent to the entrance of the Academy.

Attendees exiting building for unveiling of plaque
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Official Plaque - Académie de l'Art Culinaire du Monde Créole
© Discover Paris!

Immediately thereafter, they returned to the offices to enjoy a reception featuring a wide selection of delectable hors d'oeuvres and beverages that showcased Creole recipes and products.

Christophènes (chayotte) and country ham
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Bouchées de la Reine - lambi (conch) et chatrou (octopus)
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Rhum arrangé by Rhum & Sens
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Freshly pressed cane juice
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The caterer for the affair, Stéphanie Aubriel, was recommended to the Academy by Outremer Business Expansion (OBE), and attendees were particularly appreciative of her talents. Christian Jarrin of OBE represented the organization at the event and helped Aubriel prepare the table for serving.

Stéphanie Aubriel and Christian Jarrin
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If the success of the first award ceremony to celebrate the best of Creole cuisine in the Francophone world in 2014 and the expansion of scope planned for this year's award ceremony are any indication, the future of the Academy is bright!

Trophées de l’Art Culinaire Créole award

*The Academy partners with ONDOM, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness of and fight discrimination against citizens of France's overseas territories.

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