"Unlike in other countries, in France there are not one or two dishes that you could say fully represent the national cuisine," says Christophe Rovan, the French owner of O'Steak, a popular bistro in Beijing. Of course, Japan has sushi, Spain has paella and Italy has pizza. But when it comes to French cuisine, it is hard to choose one or two distinguished dishes. There are about a dozen of them.
"France is such a gourmet country that each region has its own classic dishes. In that regard I think France and China are very similar."
O'Steak's Gout de France special menu consisted of homemade foie gras terrine with mango chutney and pan-fried foie gras, Burgundystyle escargots, tournedos-style beef tenderloin with Provence-style tomatoes, and a trio dessert of apple tart, vanilla creme brulee, chocolate mousses.
"We try to bring out classic French dishes from different regions in France in one meal," he says.
"The significance of Good France is that in one day it puts the spotlight on the diversity of French cuisine."
