With different food stalls, as well as canapés being passed around and plenty of wine and cocktails for tasting, guests were able to sample a variety of French food and drink in a casual and convivial atmosphere. Held on the first Thursday in June every year, to celebrate the diversity and simplicity of French food and beverages, L’Apértif a la Française is in its fifth year and celebrated in 38 international cities including New Delhi. It was supported this year by the French Tourist Office, Maison de la France which participated for the first time as a key sponsor.

Karim Mekachera, Director Maison de la France India said, “We at Maison de la France are particularly proud, alongside our colleagues at Sopexa to showcase France’s premier attractions including its rich gastronomic heritage, its exceptional premier wines and its treasure trove of incredible tourism destinations.”

Three French tourist destinations were introduced that night to the Indian gourmet traveler – Reims in Champagne, Dijon in Burgundy and the region of the Rhone-Alpes.

Loïc Denneulin, Country Manager, Sopexa India, (pictured) expressed his great delight in associating with Maison de la France since “the notion of origin is of utmost importance in French food culture and the key to understanding the diversity and flavours of French agro food products,” he said. The apéritif, he noted, ranges from elaborate to very simple items depending on the occasion and the mood.

Recently arrived in India, Denneulin said, “I am glad to observe that the Apéritif is increasingly gaining interest in India since this is an occasion to experience the art de vivre a la Française, the French way of enjoying life.”