The French Embassy in Indonesia, Institut français Indonésie (IFI), and Business France Indonesia, and supported by Disciples d'Escoffier Indonesia for the first time have organized French Gastronomy Week in Indonesia, entitled "Le Goût de France – Taste of France, j 'adore !". The event, which was held for a week from 12 to 19 October 2023, involving various partners, from restaurants, universities, Vocational High Schools, to companies, has presented various activities, such as « French menu », competitions, film screenings, meetings and discussions, as well as cooking classes.
Apart from that, to cover a wider public, a French recipe competition on Instagram has been held since last September. As of October 6, there were around 140 videos taking part in the competition. Of all the participating videos, 10 videos were selected the best version of the Chefs from Disciples d'Escoffier Indonesia who advanced to the final round. Taking place at the MODENA Experience Center Suryo, on October 19 2023, the 10 finalists have finished competing in the final round to win the main prize, namely a trip to France with Qatar Airways. The ten finalists include, @yeremia.immanuel, @Jcooks.studio, @Soklat warmkuku, @Tatyaraw, @fiqipuput, @Tummyummy_, @maritzamusic, @yanspdpatiwael, @yudi_asli, and @ajengapp_.
Coming from various cities, the ten finalists served various French recipes according to the dishes uploaded on their respective Instagrams. After passing the judging round, finally the jury consisted of Chef Gilles Marx (President of Disciples Escoffier Indonesia & Chef Founder of AMUZ Gourmet Group), Chef Ronald Silvano (General Secretary of Disciples Escoffier Indonesia & Permanent lecturer for food production subject of Hotel Business Program at Podomoro University), and Chef Christo Tjahjanto (Modena Culinaria Resident Chef; Top 6 Masterchef Indonesia in 6th season; Chef Owner at Hongkong Bay Restaurant) have decided that Jason Buntaram (@Jcooks.studio) with his French onion soup dish was chosen as the winner.
According to the jury's assessment, Jason is a future chef. With his very calm demeanor when cooking, as well as precise cooking steps, Jason, who is currently 15 years old, is able to serve 3 identical, near-perfect plates in less than 90 minutes. Apart from getting plane tickets, the prize also includes pocket money, accommodation for one week and a visa. Meanwhile, the lucky top 3 finalists won MODENA X Disney non-stick Fry Pan, which is the newest collection from MODENA with Disney.
Apart from that, the semifinalists also received other attractive vouchers from MODENA. As stated by Mr. Fabien Penone, French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste and ASEAN, Gastronomy Week is an opportunity for the Indonesian people to get to know the diversity of French gastronomy better and promote culinary and cultural exchange between France and Indonesia. It is hoped that this activity will further develop in the following year and more people will take part as well as in competitions.