Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast Andrew Prior

In this episode of "Fabulously Delicious, the French Food Podcast," we delve into the world of escargot, a quintessential delicacy in French cuisine. Escargot, or snails, have been savored in France and beyond for centuries, transforming from common garden pests to gourmet treats. We explore the diversity of snail species, with biologist Benoit Fontaine noting over 700 varieties in France alone. These fascinating creatures, often farmed to ensure safety and quality, are cherished for their delicate flavor, especially when prepared with traditional French techniques and served with garlic butter or wine sauces.
Our discussion highlights the cultural significance of escargot across the globe. From ancient Greece to the Roman Empire, and into modern culinary practices, snails have held a unique place in history. We trace the origins of the famous Escargots de Bourgogne to diplomat Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord and chef Marie-Antoine Carême, whose innovative presentation to Tsar Alexander in 1814 cemented the dish's status in haute cuisine. We also touch on the Middle Ages, where snails symbolized courage, and how Pope Pius V's decree allowed their consumption during Lent, underscoring their historical and religious importance.
For those intrigued by the culinary and nutritional benefits of escargot, this episode offers insights into preparation methods, including the essential purging process that ensures snails are toxin-free. We explore the slow food movement's adoption of the snail as its emblem, representing ecological and sustainable eating practices. Additionally, we discuss the luxury of snail caviar, known as "Pearls of Aphrodite," and the health benefits of escargot, which are low in calories and rich in protein, magnesium, and iron. Join us for a tantalizing journey through the rich heritage and modern-day appreciation of this French delicacy, perfect for food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.
Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.
Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.
For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France. Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.
Have your own Escargot recipes or stories to share? Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email contact@andrewpriorfabulously.com for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.
You can also sign up for the substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/
Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Fabulously Delicious, the French Food Podcast, where we explore the cuisine that laid the foundation for modern cooking. I'm your host, Andrew Prior, enchanté. After competing on MasterChef Australia, I now live in France, sharing my love for French food, meeting local chefs and food producers, and indulging in amazing wines and over 1500 varieties of French cheeses with you, my fabulously delicious audience.
Today, we delve into the world of Mariage Frères, one of France's most prestigious tea brands. The company's history dates back to the 17th century when King Louis XIV encouraged exploration for exotic goods. Nicolas and Pierre Mariage's voyages for the royal court laid the groundwork for their family's involvement in the tea trade. In 1854, Henri and Edouard Mariage officially founded Mariage Frères, and for 130 years, the family maintained a wholesale tea business, introducing innovations like the tea-flavored Chocolat des Mandarins.
In 1976, the company was sold to Kitti Cha Sangmanee, who opened the first retail tea house in 1983 on Rue du Bourg-Tibourg, Paris. Today, Mariage Frères operates ten tearooms in Paris and additional locations in the UK, Germany, and Japan. They offer over 650 blends of tea, some exclusive to their Parisian stores, and their original tea house includes a museum dedicated to the history of tea.
Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.
Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.
For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France.
Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.
Have your own Meadowsweet recipes or stories to share? Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email contact@andrewpriorfabulously.com for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.
You can also sign up for my substack newsletter and get more fabulous French food content and France travel tips as well as updates on life here in France. https://fabulouslydelicious.substack.com/
Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Fabulously Delicious, the French Food Podcast, where we delve into the heart of French cuisine. Hosted by Andrew Prior, a former MasterChef Australia contestant turned French food aficionado, each episode is a delectable journey into the world of French ingredients, dishes, and the vibrant personalities shaping its culinary landscape.
In today's episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mère Léa, an iconic figure in French gastronomy. Born Léa Bidaut in Le Creusot in 1908, Mère Léa's culinary journey took her from the industrial heart of Burgundy to the vibrant food scene of Lyon. There, she opened her famed restaurant, La Voûte, Chez Léa, where she introduced now-classic dishes like champagne sauerkraut and macaroni gratin. Her influence on French cuisine is still celebrated today, and her recipes remain beloved staples.
Join us as we explore Mère Léa's contributions to French culinary history, including her famed potato paillasson and Canard au sang. Learn about her rise to culinary stardom, her vibrant personality, and her lasting impact on Lyon's gastronomic scene. Discover how she became the first woman to join the prestigious Toques Blanches Lyonnaises and earned her Michelin star, cementing her legacy in French culinary history.
Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.
Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.
For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France.
Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.
Have your own Meadowsweet recipes or stories to share? Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email contact@andrewpriorfabulously.com for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.
Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Fabulously Delicious, the French Food Podcast, where we delve into the heart of French cuisine. Hosted by Andrew Prior, a former MasterChef Australia contestant turned French food aficionado, each episode is a delectable journey into the world of French ingredients, dishes, and the vibrant personalities shaping its culinary landscape.
In today's episode, we continue our exploration of French herbs with a spotlight on Meadowsweet (La Reine-des-prés). Discover its fascinating history, from its traditional use in sweetening mead to its surprising medicinal properties, including its role in the creation of aspirin. Meadowsweet, with its delicate white flowers and almond-like flavor, adds a unique touch to both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile herb cherished by chefs and home cooks alike.
Join us as we uncover the lore and uses of Meadowsweet, from Welsh mythology to its presence in Renaissance-era festivities. Plus, learn how you can incorporate this enchanting herb into your culinary creations, whether in stews, desserts, or even as a natural dye.
Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.
Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/book-paris-a-food-guide-to-the-worlds-most-delicious-city  Also available on Amazon and Kindle.
For those craving an immersive French food experience, join Andrew in Montmorillon for a hands-on cooking adventure. Stay in his charming townhouse and partake in culinary delights straight from the heart of France.
Experience French culinary delights firsthand with Andrew's Vienne residencies. Visit https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com/come-stay-with-me-vienne-residency for more information.
Have your own Meadowsweet recipes or stories to share? Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrewpriorfabulously or via email contact@andrewpriorfabulously.com for a chance to be featured on the podcast or his blog.
Tune in to Fabulously Delicious on the Evergreen Podcast Network for more tantalizing tales of French gastronomy. Remember, whatever you do, do it Fabulously!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonjour, fabulous French foodies! Join me, your host, Andrew Prior, in the enchanting world of French cuisine as we kick off Season 4 of Fabulously Delicious, the French Food Podcast.
Celebrating the culinary wonders that have shaped modern cooking, this season promises a delectable journey through the heart of French ingredients, dishes, and the captivating stories of those who have left an indelible mark on the country's gastronomic history.
This episode is a celebration of all things garlic from our A to Z of French herbs series. Today is international garlic day so this super sized episode has all the content from the series on garlic in it so I hope you enjoy.
Coming up in this season, I'll introduce the exciting addition of video content to the podcast, allowing you to visually savor the culinary delights of Fabulously Delicious. Tune in as the podcast continues to be a part of the Evergreen Podcasts network.
Are you planning a trip to Paris or just dreaming of experiencing the city's culinary treasures? I have you covered with this recently released book, "Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City." With 379 recommendations, including boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this 2024 edition is your ultimate guide to navigating the food paradise that is Paris. Get your copy on my website here and make your culinary journey even more special with a signed and gift-packaged copy.
But that's not all! I'm inviting you to join him in Vienne for an unforgettable culinary experience through our residency program. Immerse yourself in the flavors of France, learn from me, and the locals, and create lasting memories. Find more details and reserve your spot at the Vienne Residency Program.
So, whether you're a seasoned Parisian or planning your first visit, pour a glass of wine, break some baguette, and immerse yourself in the world of Fabulously Delicious. Season 4 promises to be a mouthwatering adventure through the culinary wonders of the City of Lights. Thank you for listening, and as I always say, "Whatever you do, do it Fabulously." Merci beaucoup and Bon Appétit! 🇫🇷🍽️✨
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonjour, fabulous French foodies! Join me, your host, Andrew Prior, in the enchanting world of French cuisine as we kick off Season 4 of Fabulously Delicious, the French Food Podcast.
Celebrating the culinary wonders that have shaped modern cooking, this season promises a delectable journey through the heart of French ingredients, dishes, and the captivating stories of those who have left an indelible mark on the country's gastronomic history.
This episode is a continuation of the A to Z of French Herbs series. Today's herb is sorrel or L'oseille as its known in French.
Coming up in this season, I'll introduce the exciting addition of video content to the podcast, allowing you to visually savor the culinary delights of Fabulously Delicious. Tune in as the podcast continues to be a part of the Evergreen Podcasts network.
Are you planning a trip to Paris or just dreaming of experiencing the city's culinary treasures? I have you covered with this recently released book, "Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City." With 379 recommendations, including boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this 2024 edition is your ultimate guide to navigating the food paradise that is Paris. Get your copy on my website here and make your culinary journey even more special with a signed and gift-packaged copy.
But that's not all! I'm inviting you to join him in Vienne for an unforgettable culinary experience through our residency program. Immerse yourself in the flavors of France, learn from me, and the locals, and create lasting memories. Find more details and reserve your spot at the Vienne Residency Program.
So, whether you're a seasoned Parisian or planning your first visit, pour a glass of wine, break some baguette, and immerse yourself in the world of Fabulously Delicious. Season 4 promises to be a mouthwatering adventure through the culinary wonders of the City of Lights. Thank you for listening, and as I always say, "Whatever you do, do it Fabulously." Merci beaucoup and Bon Appétit! 🇫🇷🍽️✨
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices