Exploring Beaune's Local Food: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Exploring Beaune's Local Food: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Beaune, a charming town nestled in the heart of Burgundy, France. Known for its rich history and world-renowned vineyards, Beaune is also a culinary haven that will delight even the most discerning food lovers. Let's embark on a gastronomic journey through the local cuisine of Beaune, uncovering traditional dishes, recommended restaurants, and even some authentic recipes to recreate at home.

Traditional Beaune Dishes

Beaune's cuisine is deeply rooted in Burgundian tradition, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside. Here are some must-try dishes during your visit:

• Coq au Vin: A classic Burgundian dish, coq au vin is a hearty stew made with red wine, onions, mushrooms, and tender chicken.
• Escargots de Bourgogne: Beaune is famous for its snails, which are typically prepared with garlic herb butter and served as an appetizer.
• Boeuf Bourguignon: Another iconic dish, boeuf bourguignon showcases the region's world-class beef braised in red wine with onions, carrots, and mushrooms.
• Pôchouse: This local fisherman's stew features freshwater fish, such as pike or perch, cooked in a flavorful broth made with white wine, garlic, and herbs.
• Epoisses de Bourgogne: An indulgent cheese made in the Burgundy region, Epoisses is a soft, pungent cheese with a rich and creamy texture.

Recommended Restaurants in Beaune

When it comes to dining in Beaune, you'll find a range of options, from cozy local bistros to Michelin-starred establishments. Here are a few renowned restaurants worth visiting:

• Restaurant Maison Lameloise - Located in nearby Chagny, this three-Michelin-star restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience, focusing on refined Burgundian cuisine.
• Le Bistrot Bourguignon - Situated in the heart of Beaune, this charming bistro is known for its authentic Burgundian dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Loiseau des Vignes - This Michelin-starred restaurant boasts an impressive wine selection, perfectly complementing its creative and contemporary interpretations of traditional Burgundian cuisine.
• Le Benaton - A small and intimate restaurant tucked away in the historic center of Beaune, Le Benaton showcases the talents of Chef Nicolas Isnard, specializing in innovative cuisine rooted in local flavors.
• La Ciboulette - Offering a more casual dining experience, La Ciboulette features a menu highlighting the freshest local ingredients and contemporary twists on regional classics.

Burgundian Recipes to Try at Home

For those who want to recreate the flavors of Beaune at home, here are a couple of traditional recipes to try:

Coq au Vin

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 2 cups of Burgundy red wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• A handful of mushrooms
• 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.
4. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Add the red wine, mushrooms, and bouquet garni.
5. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
6. Remove the bouquet garni and serve the coq au vin with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 200g of Epoisses cheese, rind removed
• 2 eggs
• 200ml of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Line a pie dish with the pre-made pie crust.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the Epoisses cheese evenly over the pie crust.
5. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tart is golden and set in the center.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Now that you have a taste of Beaune's culinary delights, it's time to plan your visit and experience the local flavors firsthand. Bon appétit!