Last month we got to experience a really unique meal at a birthday party we hosted for our friend and neighbor who is French. The meal is called Raclette and consists of potatoes, hot cheeses and different meats (as you can see pictured in the photo). This is a dish that is native to Switzerland and France.
We had never heard of this before, but we ended up loving it! You prepare your potatoes ahead of time (like little baked potatoes), but do the rest of the cooking at the table. A raclette machine (called a coupelle or raclonette) is placed on the center of the table and has two levels. The top level has a warming plate for the precooked potatoes as well as little grill tops on either side of it for warming up various thinly sliced meats. The lower level is where the heating element for the cheese is, as well as lots of little slots for each person to put their individual pan of cheese. You place your pan of cheese into a slot until it is melted and a little bubbly on the top. You then smash up a potato on your plate, top it with warmed meat and pour the melted cheese overtop everything. We ate it with a side salad and pickles as well as various beverages.
While the food itself was delicious, my favorite part of the experience is how social it was. Instead of spending lots of time having to cook and prepare a meal, each person essentially prepared their own meal at the table. It allowed for an extended amount of time laughing, eating and talking together. This is a great picture of what we are learning are important values when it comes to meals in French culture: Slowing down and being together while enjoying delicious food.
As people who love food, community and hosting, this event was one of our favorite experiences here so far! We look forward to discovering much more about the culture and food here, and sharing it with all of you!
Bon appétit!
Selina