The Paris 2024 Olympics promise not only thrilling athletic performances but also, showcases the best of French cuisine. As food enthusiasts and sports fans, we’re eager to dive into the details of what athletes will be dining on. Also, we give you suggestions on how to bring a slice of this culinary delight into our homes. Let’s explore the exciting menu, the masterminds behind the food, and some easy-to-recreate dishes. Of course, they will be complete with our expertly picked wine pairing suggestions.
The Culinary Team Behind the Paris 2024 Olympics Food Village
This year, the responsibility of feeding the world’s best athletes falls to Sodexo Live!, a renowned global food services and facilities management company. With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality, Sodexo Live! is set to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Their focus on using fresh, local ingredients and providing balanced meals ensures that athletes are not only enjoying delicious food but also getting the nutrition they need to perform at their best.
Behind the Scenes: How Sodexo Live! Prepares
Serving 13 million meals to 15,000 athletes from around the globe is a monumental task. This marks it as the largest catering operation in the world. Sodexo Live! manages this impressive feat with a dedicated team of chefs, nutritionists, and support staff to ensure the highest meal standards. Leading the catering team at the Olympic Food Village is Executive Chef Charles Guilloy, who oversees a team of 200 culinary professionals.
The company prioritizes sustainable practices by sourcing ingredients from local farms and suppliers. Therefore, they aim to reduce their carbon footprint and support the local economy. This effort aligns with Paris’ 2024 “Food Vision,” which aims to demonstrate creative and sustainable food production at a major international event. Moreover, initiatives include minimizing plastic use, composting waste, donating to food banks, using reusable dishware, and adopting eco-friendly packaging.
What’s on the Menu for the Athletes of the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Furthermore, Sodexo Live! caters to the diverse dietary needs of athletes, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. The all-inclusive menu is divided into four categories: France, Asia, Africa-Caribbean, and World Cuisine. Within each category, athletes can enjoy a salad bar, grill station, hot buffet, pasta dishes, and more. Soup and dairy stations, cheese and fruit displays, bakery stand, dessert bar, and condiment stand, are also available. Highlights include a plant-based twist on the iconic hot dog, cocoa bread rolls and popular French foods. A few you can expect to see are bobosse sausage, galettes bretonnes, and quiche lorraine.
The food village is designed to be a welcoming space where athletes can relax, refuel, and enjoy a taste of France.
Easy Paris-Inspired Dishes to Make at Home with Wine Pairings
With the Paris 2024 Olympics officially underway, what better way to celebrate than by bringing a taste of France into your home? French cuisine is known for its elegance and flavors, but you don’t need to be a professional chef to enjoy it. Here are nine easy French dishes, even you can make, complete with wine pairings. These meals will transport you straight to the heart of Paris!
Breakfast in Paris
Croque-Monsieur
Start your day with the classic French ham and cheese sandwich, Croque-Monsieur. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch. All you need is some ham, Gruyère cheese, and a béchamel sauce layered between slices of toasted bread.
Wine Pairing: A light white wine like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc is perfect to cut through the richness of the cheese and ham.
Pain Perdu (French Toast)
Pain Perdu, or “lost bread,” is a delightful way to use up stale bread. Simply soak slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, then fry them until golden brown. Top with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Wine Pairing: A glass of sparkling wine, such as Champagne, adds a festive touch to this sweet breakfast treat.
Paris-Inspired Brunch or Lunch
3. Quiche Lorraine
This savory pie, filled with bacon, cheese, and a creamy custard, is a staple in French cuisine. It’s easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Wine Pairing: Pair your Quiche Lorraine with a Chardonnay from Burgundy, which complements the creamy texture and flavors.
4. Salade Niçoise
A vibrant salad from the French Riviera, Salade Niçoise is loaded with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and green beans. It’s both nutritious and delicious, perfect for a light lunch.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Rosé from Provence pairs wonderfully with the fresh and diverse flavors of the salad.
French Dinner Cuisine
5. Coq au Vin
This classic French dish, features chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. It is seriously divine and full of flavor. Furthermore, it’s hearty, surprisingly simple to prepare and makes for a satisfying dinner.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy Coq au Vin with a glass of Pinot Noir, preferably from Burgundy, to match the richness of the dish.
6. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a colorful vegetable medley made with zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It is traditionally cooked with herbs de Provence. It’s a great vegetarian option that’s bursting with flavor!
Wine Pairing: A light red wine like Beaujolais complements the fresh and herby flavors of the vegetables.
7. Moules Marinières (Sailor-Style Mussels)
This dish of mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs is a simple yet elegant choice for dinner. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry Muscadet from the Loire Valley is a classic pairing that enhances the salty sweetness of the mussels.
8. Steak Frites
Steak Frites, or steak and fries, is a beloved French bistro dish. A perfectly cooked steak paired with crispy, golden fries is a match made in heaven.
Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Bordeaux or a Rhône blend will complement the hearty flavors of the steak.
French Desserts
9. Tarte Tatin
This upside-down caramelized apple tart is a showstopper. The combination of buttery pastry and sweet, tender apples is irresistible.
Wine Pairing: Pair your Tarte Tatin with a glass of sweet Sauternes. It’s guaranteed to enhance the caramel and apple flavors beautifully.
Whether you’re hosting an Olympic viewing party or just looking to indulge in some French cuisine, these recipes are sure to impress. So, grab a glass of wine, put on the Paris 2024 Olympics or perhaps some French music, and enjoy the delicious flavors of France. Bon appétit!
Sources: https://olympics.com/en/news/food-vision, https://www.foodandwine.com/food-guide-paris-olympics-2024-8668612
