Festival Arômes returns to Sofitel Metropole Hanoi with rising 3 star Michelin chef, Olivier Roellinger

One of Asia’s most renowned colonial-era hotels, the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, is celebrating its second Festival Arômes (Aroma Festival) in December 2006, a culinary event that unveils the wonderful world of herbs and scents.

The event, which was held for the first time last year,  will feature three prestigious personalities: a new three star Michelin chef, Olivier Roellinger from La Maison de Bricourt in Cancale in western France, a feted French pastry chef and Sofitel Metropole Hanoi’s chef consultant, Didier Corlou and his team, who will join forces to create culinary magic through the addition of herbs to everyday dishes.

This fascinating culinary event will be held from 7 to 10 December 2006 with a number of compelling activities. All prices are net, per person, and include wine.

- “New herbs” presentation and vertical tasting with the latest creations that blend herbs and white wine, courtesy of Didier Corlou, in the rhythm of jazz music. Dinner is at the Thang Long Hall on Thursday, 7 December. Cost: US$60

- “Tout Chocolat” dinner introduces an exquisite menu with chocolates and herbs, created by a famous pastry chef from France. Dinner will take place at the Thang Long hall on Friday, 8 December. Cost: US$50 

- “Cancale oysters” degustation brings the great flavor of exclusively refined oysters from Cancale. Enjoy a light brunch at Le Club Bar and in the hotel’s garden on Saturday, 9 December. Cost:US$60 

-  Gala Dinner to experience the art of cooking of Olivier Roellinger, a three Michelin star chef from France. Dinner at Le Beaulieu restaurant on Saturday, 9 December. Cost: US$180

- “All stars” brunch with the famous trio of chefs for a memorable Sunday at the Metropole. Brunch at Le Beaulieu restaurant on Sunday, 10 December. Cost: US$80 

- “Festival Arômes 2006” cooking demonstration where the chefs are introduced to Vietnamese students, giving them a chance to discover the world of herbs. The cooking demonstration will be held at Espace, a French cultural center next to the hotel during two afternoons of the festival. Free entrance.

The legendary Metropole cuisine has earned a solid reputation for the quality of its food, as well as for its social events, since the turn of the last century. Famous diners include Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward, Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene, Queen Noor, President of France Jacques Chirac, Roger Moore, Oliver Stone, Mike Jagger … and many other celebrities and political figures.

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