The Marmite d'Or Competition

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Marmite d'Or Trophy

© Discover Paris!

On December 16th, over 100 people gathered at the auditorium of the Hôtel de Ville de Paris to discover the winner of the 12th “Marmite d’Or de la Gastronomie Afro Antillaise” competition in Paris / Ile de France. Organized by the Association Internationale Culture Sans Frontières (AICSF), the goal of the competition is to promote Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

Criteria for selection as a candidate for the prize are quite strict; they consist of:

• restaurant accessibility

• appearance and content of the menu

• longevity of the restaurant

• quality of the dishes proposed

• value (quality versus price) of the dishes proposed

• conformity to laws regarding restaurant operation

Once selected as a candidate, each restaurant is judged on its decor, its service, the originality of the presentation and the quality of the competing dish, and the level of hygiene on the premises.

Performers regaled the audience with music, comedy skits, dance, and spoken word in celebration of this culinary heritage. The most powerful performance by far was that of JYB (Jean-Yves Bertogal), who recited an ode to Haïti that evoked the recent earthquake and its aftermath. He received an ovation for his moving performance.
 

JYB (aka Jean-Yves Bertogal)

© Discover Paris!

There were only two finalists in the competition – DouDou Kréyol of Alfortville and Restaurant Loyo of Paris’ 18^th arrondissement.  Representatives from both restaurants addressed the audience to explain the origin of the dish that they entered into competition.  DouDou Kréyol presented a “Soupe au Kongo,” while Loyo entered “La Sauce Claire.” A jury of five then retired to a room to taste the dishes and render a decision.

The Jury

© Discover Paris!

This year’s winner is DouDou Kréyol of Alfortville!

Chef Gus Cuistot of DouDou Kréyol
© Discover Paris!

After the winner was announced, the audience was invited to a room adjoining the auditorium to partake of the dishes that were presented for the competition. Judging from the crowd that remained around the table, the food was excellent!

Post-ceremony Buffet
© Discover Paris!

In early 2011, the public will be invited to DouDou Kréyol for a more intimate ceremony, where the trophy will be presented to the restaurant and its chef once again.

DouDou Kréyol

183, rue Paul Vaillant Couturier

94140 Alfortville

Tel : 01.56.29.33.38

Public transportation: RER D Maisons Alfort – Alfortville, then Bus 103 to Mairie d’Alfortville

Internet : http://restaurantdoudoukreyol.skyrock.com/

Hours: Lunch Monday through Saturday 11:45 AM to 2:30 PM

Dinner Tuesday through Saturday 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Chez Loyo

18, rue Batchelet

75018 Paris

Tel: 01.42.23.78.18

Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12), Château Rouge (Line 4)

Internet: http://www.leloyo.com/

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 7:00 PM to midnight

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