Food, Fun and a Touch of Glamour at Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu, the word renowned culinary school with a campus in Ottawa, is often thought to be exclusive, arrogant, and as pretentious as the complex French cuisine they serve at their invitation only events. The school intends to change that reputation this Friday, June 5, by opening ticket sales up to the public for Apéritif à la française, an event celebrating French cuisine and culture.

“People have this impression that we are stuck up and that we don’t want people unless they are part of a culinary club, but that’s not the reality at all,” says Le Cordon Bleu’s Pamela Bakalian. “We are all about French culture, obviously, but we want to share that culture with the people of Ottawa. That’s why we are so excited about this event.”

Launched six years ago by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Apéritif à la française is a series of international events promoting France’s agricultural products and cultural heritage, including the country’s long tradition of great cheeses, wine, booze and chocolate. This year thirty-seven cities in twenty-one countries around the globe will be holding Aperitif themed events.

“Apéritif is basically ‘happy hour’ in French jargon, and it is very much a part of France’s culture,” explains Bakalian. “It is a sacred moment in the day where people unwind, gather with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, and have something to drink – preferably something alcoholic – and something really yummy to eat. That’s the beginning of the evening for them, a celebration.”

This week Montreal is hosting its version of Apéritif à la française for the sixth year in a row, and over 1500 tickets sold in fifteen minutes the day they went on sale. It is clearly the type of event people look forward to year after year, and Le Codon Bleu is hoping to create a similar experience in Ottawa.

“I don’t think people in Ottawa always realize how great a city they live in,” say Bakalian. “Sure, sometimes it lacks a little bit of glamour and fun, but that’s why this is event is such a great opportunity."

Those in attendance will be treated a traditional French buffet featuring a variety of customary apéritif foods, as well as a vegetable Eiffel tower. A complimentary spa-themed buffet (Holtz Spa is an event partner) will feature more light and airy foods. Bakalian notes that this combination of traditional and modern food is very much an embodiment of Le Cordon Bleu’s approach. Not to be left out, the school’s students will be actively involved in helping to prepare and serve the food.

The event also ties into Paris fashion week, so, after the tasty eats, there will be a fashion show that will include a chocolate dress, as well as a floral dress designed by the official florist of the Governor General. Titled “Victory,” it will be worn by a breast cancer survivor, and ten percent of all proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Canada.

Le Cordon Bleu also intends to recreate the feel of the Cannes Film Festival, including a red carpet and paparazzi snapping pics. Bakalian says, “Apéritif is particularly popular in the south of France, so it was important to capture the feel of those glamorous hotels and beachfront terraces along Promenade de la Croisette.”

Music for the evening will begin with traditional French tunes, before evolving into the trendier and more modern beats of Parisian dance clubs. Food, music, culture, glamour, fun and charitable giving – it appears Apéritif à la française will have everything you could want from a night out in Ottawa!

“What amazes me the most about this event is how generous people have been with their time, energy, and resources; not expecting anything in return, just wanting to support the Ottawa community,” says Bakalian. “We’ve had such a great response. I’m really proud to be in this city. The people of Ottawa are great.”

For more information, visit: http://aperitifalafrancaise-cordonbleu.com/invitation/

Tickets for Apéritif à la française are $99 and available from Ticketmaster.

Comments (2)

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Wesley Auguste

June 09, 2009

Votes: +0

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Any news of the performer????

There was a performance by a local french artist, but there is no mention on any of the websites advertising the event.
Who, what and Where is this artist???
What is his name???

kevinjohns

June 10, 2009

Votes: +0

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The hip hop artists name...

was Le Noble. If you are looking for more information, he can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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