Discover Calais: Local cuisine, famous restaurants & traditional recipes

Discover Calais: Local Cuisine, Famous Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Calais, a picturesque coastal town in northern France, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its diverse and delicious local cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional French dishes, Calais offers a gastronomic experience that will delight any food lover. Here is a guide to help you explore the local cuisine, discover famous restaurants, and learn about traditional recipes in Calais.

Local Cuisine: A Blend of Land and Sea

Calais is situated on the coast of the English Channel, which means that its cuisine heavily relies on the abundance of fresh seafood. From oysters and mussels to prawns and lobsters, you can savor the flavors of the sea in various traditional dishes. Seafood platters, fish stews, and grilled fish are popular choices that showcase the region's maritime offerings. However, Calais is not only about seafood. The town is also known for its agricultural heritage, with fertile lands that yield an array of fresh produce. Local vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and leeks, are frequently used in traditional recipes. The combination of seafood and locally grown vegetables creates a unique and flavorful cuisine that represents the essence of Calais.

Famous Restaurants in Calais

Calais boasts an impressive selection of restaurants, ranging from charming bistros to upscale dining establishments. Here are a few famous restaurants that should be on your list when visiting Calais:

• Le Channel - Located in the heart of Calais, Le Channel is a renowned seafood restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.
• L'Arrière-Pays - If you're looking for a taste of traditional French cuisine, L'Arrière-Pays is the place to go. With its rustic ambiance and delectable menu, this restaurant offers an authentic dining experience.
• Le Touquet - Situated near the beach, Le Touquet offers both seafood and meat dishes, giving you the option to savor the best of both worlds.
• La Moule Rit - As the name suggests, La Moule Rit specializes in mussels, serving them in various preparations that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
• Le Grand Bleu - Offering a fusion of French and international cuisines, Le Grand Bleu provides a diverse menu to cater to every palate.

These are just a few examples of the many exceptional dining options available in Calais. With its vibrant culinary scene, you are sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste and preferences.

Traditional Recipes: Delightful Flavors of Calais

To truly immerse yourself in the local cuisine of Calais, trying traditional recipes at home is a must. Here are a couple of traditional Calais dishes that you can recreate:

Carbonade Flamande

1. Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 500 ml Belgian beer
• 2 slices of bread, spread with mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Instructions:

• In a large pot, melt the butter and brown the beef chunks on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
• Add the flour to the pot and stir well to coat the onions.
• Pour in the Belgian beer and bring to a simmer.
• Add the beef back to the pot along with the sugar, mustard-spread bread slices, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and cook over low heat for approximately 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
• Serve hot with French fries or crusty bread.

Tarte au Maroilles

1. Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 250 g Maroilles cheese, sliced
• 2 eggs
• 200 ml heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Line a pie pan with the pre-made crust.
• Arrange the sliced Maroilles cheese on top of the crust.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the egg mixture over the cheese in the pie crust.
• Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving.

These traditional recipes capture the flavors of Calais and are perfect for recreating the authentic taste of the region in your own home.