Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast

Apéro

Le Petit Lexique - French food terms explained - ApéroIn this first episode of Le Petit Lexique: French Food Terms Explained, we dive into one of France’s most beloved daily rituals: l’apéro. Short for apéritif, apéro is so much more than a pre-dinner drink — it’s a cherished social custom that marks the transition from day to evening, work to leisure, and solitude to connection. Whether shared with family on a quiet terrace or with friends in a bustling Parisian bar, apéro captures the very essence of French conviviality.We explore the history of apéro, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern-day café culture. From medicinal herbal wines in the Middle Ages to Joseph Dubonnet’s quinine-based creation in the 19th century, the evolution of the apéritif tells us much about the French relationship with food, drink, and health. Today, apéro is both timeless and ever-evolving, with traditions varying across regions and generations.Of course, no apéro is complete without the drinks and snacks that make it so deliciously French. We take a look at the classic and regional beverages — from Pastis and Kir to Pineau des Charentes and Suze — as well as the essential nibbles that accompany them. Whether it’s a simple bowl of olives and nuts or an elaborate spread of charcuterie, cheese, and savory pastries, apéro is all about pleasure without pretense.And if you’ve ever heard of a dîner-apéro, we’ve got that covered too! Find out how the French have turned this beloved ritual into a casual, satisfying alternative to a sit-down dinner. So pour yourself a glass, grab a few tasty bites, and join us as we celebrate the art of apéro — only on Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast. Bon appétit and santé!Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine. Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D’Azur. Don’t want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new episodes, cooking in France, travel around the French countryside, and recipes from my fab French kitchen via the link here. http://eepurl.com/hj-zFf...

Oysters in French Cuisine: A Shuckingly Good Tradition

Oysters — or huîtres, as the French so deliciously say — have long been a symbol of indulgence and celebration in France. In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, we’re diving deep into the briny world of French oysters to explore their history, cultural significance, and enduring place at the French table, especially during the festive season.From the chilly waters of Normandy to the sun-drenched lagoons of the Mediterranean, France’s diverse coastal landscapes have made it the top oyster producer and consumer in Europe. We’ll uncover how oysters are farmed, the difference between flat and cupped varieties, and what makes regions like Marennes-Oléron and Arcachon so vital to the industry. You’ll also learn about the fascinating science behind triploid oysters and how French innovation helped change oyster farming forever.Of course, no episode about oysters would be complete without talking about how the French enjoy them — raw, baked, grilled, or refined in claires. I’ll also share some classic oyster dishes, tips on preparing them at home, and the deep-rooted tradition of serving oysters at Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in France.So whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just curious about what makes these shellfish so fabulous, pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine and get ready for a salty, celebratory journey into the world of French oysters. Bon appétit!Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine. Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D’Azur. Don’t want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new episodes, cooking in France, travel around the French countryside, and recipes from my fab French kitchen via the link here. http://eepurl.com/hj-zFf...

Coq Au Vin

In this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we dive into the rich and rustic world of Coq au Vin—one of France’s most beloved and comforting classic dishes. From its humble origins as a way to tenderize tough old roosters to its transformation into a culinary icon, Coq au Vin tells a story that’s as flavourful as the dish itself. Whether you're a seasoned Francophile or just discovering the joys of French cuisine, this episode is a warm invitation to explore the heart and heritage of this timeless recipe.Host Andrew Prior, former MasterChef Australia contestant and now a French food devotee living in the countryside, takes us on a journey through the history, legends, and regional variations of Coq au Vin. From Burgundy’s bold reds to the nutty whites of the Jura and even bubbly Coq au Champagne, we unpack how different wines across France inspire local twists on this hearty dish—each one steeped in tradition and local pride.We’ll also explore how Coq au Vin became a global sensation, thanks in part to the legendary Julia Child, and hear how it played a pivotal role in Andrew’s own culinary journey during a high-stakes moment on MasterChef. It’s a dish that not only brings people together around the table, but also connects past and present with every slow-simmered bite.So grab a glass of wine, tear off a piece of crusty baguette, and settle in for a deliciously cosy episode. Whether you’re planning to cook it yourself or simply want to savour the story, this episode is your perfect guide to the soulful, saucy magic that is Coq au Vin.You can also check out my recipe for Coq Au Vin on Youtube here https://youtu.be/xbaWJVD8tUILooking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine. Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D’Azur. Don’t want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new episodes, cooking in France, travel around the French countryside, and recipes from my fab French kitchen via the link here. http://eepurl.com/hj-zFf...

Crème Fraîche: A Culinary Tale of Culture and Cream

Crème Fraîche: A Culinary Tale of Culture and CreamFew ingredients embody French culinary charm quite like crème fraîche. Rich, tangy, and endlessly versatile, this cultured cream has long been a quiet hero in French kitchens — spooned over tarts, whisked into sauces, or served alongside the ripest summer fruit. But where did this luxurious cream come from, and what makes it so uniquely French?In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, we delve into the origins of crème fraîche, from its humble beginnings on rustic dairy farms in Normandy and Brittany to its celebrated status in today’s culinary world. We’ll explore the science behind its smooth texture and subtle tang, uncovering how live cultures, fermentation, and fat content all play a role in creating this iconic ingredient. Plus, we discuss the key differences between raw and pasteurised varieties, and the importance of terroir in French dairy traditions.We’ll also take a closer look at Isigny’s prestigious AOC crème fraîche, the only French cream to hold this protected designation. Discover what makes it so special — from the lush pastures of the Bessin and Cotentin regions to the slow, artisanal maturing process that gives it its rich ivory hue and delicate flavour. And we’ll journey beyond France to see how crème fraîche compares with sour cream and similar cultured creams around the world.Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, this episode will inspire you to see crème fraîche in a new light — not just as a dairy product, but as a symbol of French culinary heritage. So grab a spoon, and join us as we celebrate one of France’s most fabulously delicious creations.Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine. Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D’Azur. Don’t want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new episodes, cooking in France, travel around the French countryside, and recipes from my fab French kitchen via the link here. http://eepurl.com/hj-zFf...

The Story Of Paul Bocuse

In this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we dive into the extraordinary life and culinary legacy of Paul Bocuse, one of the most influential chefs in the history of French cuisine. Known as the “Pope of Gastronomy,” Bocuse revolutionized modern French cooking while fiercely preserving the traditions that made it so beloved. From his humble beginnings near Lyon to becoming a three-Michelin-starred chef for over 50 years, Bocuse's story is one of passion, innovation, and timeless excellence.We explore every fascinating chapter of his life — his celebrated title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the creation of the world-renowned Soupe VGE, and his global influence through restaurants, brasseries, and the prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition. Beyond the kitchen, we also look at his complex personal life, including the relationships that shaped him, and the family legacy that continues to honor his name today.Listeners will learn how Bocuse helped define and popularize nouvelle cuisine, mentored generations of chefs, and brought French food to international stages from Disney World to Japan. You'll also hear touching reflections on his passing, the tributes he received, and why even today, his impact on gastronomy remains unmatched.Whether you're a devoted foodie, a Francophile, or simply love a good story about brilliance, resilience, and flavor, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s celebrate the man who turned cooking into a lifelong art form — Paul Bocuse. Bon appétit!Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine. Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D’Azur. Don’t want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new episodes, cooking in France, travel around the French countryside, and recipes from my fab French kitchen via the link here. http://eepurl.com/hj-zFf...