From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
French cuisine is the epitome of timeless tradition, where rustic charm meets refined technique.
Rooted in regionality, it celebrates slow-cooked stews from Provence, crusty baguettes still warm from the oven and buttery tarts that tell stories of countryside kitchens. Yet, today’s Chefs are reimagining these classics with bold creativity, preserving authenticity while embracing modern flair.
Think duck confit served with native Australian ingredients, or tarte Tatin deconstructed with playful elegance. From the comfort of cassoulet to the precision of pâtisserie, French fare balances the heart of home cooking with the art of innovation.
In Australia, this culinary language is spoken fluently in bistros, fine dining restaurants and artisan bakeries, where technique honours tradition and presentation pushes boundaries. Whether it’s coq au vin cooked just like Maman’s, or a nouvelle interpretation plated with finesse, French cuisine continues to enchant- rustic, real and endlessly reimagined for today’s palate.
Come with us as we explore all things Français this week…
Inspired by his Mother’s traditional home cooking and the vibrant flavours from garden-grown vegetables and freshly ground spices, Pasindu Wimkthi’s culinary journey began in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
"From a young age, I was captivated by the way she built layers of flavour – patiently, with love and intuition,” he tells AGFG. "That foundation of soulful, honest food remains at the heart of my cooking today.”
Now heading the kitchen at Steels Gate Wines Cellar Door & Restaurant in Dixons Creek, Pasindu shares his story and recipe for foie gras torchon – a dish combining classic French sous vide technique with Sri Lankan tradition.
Today is Bastille Day and we have curated comprehensive dining guides for you to find French flair on the plate this week, along with recipe collections with classic French sauces, desserts and dishes. We also provide a guide to knowing your French wines and how to pair them for a delicious culinary adventure.
We put the pedal to the metal and explore France on two wheels – for Australians with a love for food, wine, scenery and active holidays, Franch offers the ultimate cycling experience.
From the lavender-scented lanes of Provence to the vineyard-laced hills of Bordeaux, French bicycle tours combine culture, cuisine and countryside in a way that deeply resonates with the Aussie spirit of adventure.
Whether you’re a weekend cyclist or a seasoned rider, there’s a tour to suit your pace - and palate.
Are you looking for Babymoon Bliss? Spicers Retreats in collaboration with leading pregnancy skincare brand PURE MAMA, has launched a new Babymoon Bliss package that promises parents-to-be, one last grown-up getaway with plenty of me time to relax, rejuvenate and pamper, all in one luxurious two-night getaway.
One last sojourn before your new arrival could see you immersed in nature (slow-paced nature walking), indulging in the most memorable dining at award-winning restaurants (with no interruptions), being pampered at the spa or hibernating by a fireplace at some of the most unforgettable locations in Australia.
So, pack your bags and appetite as we embark on a mission to discover French regional cuisine that is rustic, real and reimagined.
