We must save the World’s Best Restaurant!

I am joking, of course. There is no such thing as The World’s Best Restaurant. Except for the morons who believe in The World’s Best Wine, The World’s Most Beautiful Woman, the World’s Most Beautiful Picture… Nevertheless, thisplace where I was taken one winter day, on a visit that felt like asilent “I love you”, is among the world’s best restaurants. Precisely because they do not serve anything that is seen in the “World’s Best Restaurants” sponsored by San Pellegrino, Nestlé or Omnivore; no glitter, no swank. This inn is the exact opposite of Celler de Can Roca, El Bulli, Noma, or The Fat Duck. Here, you will find no molecular chemistry, no spherification, no live ants, but only food that is local, traceable, home-made – and organic to boot: everything that is good, familial, convivial.

 

On the other hand, I am not joking when I write that La Ferme de la Ruchotte, this magical and exemplary place, is in danger. This pocket of resistance against the villainous empires of junk food (do I need to remind you of the recent merger of Bayer and Monsanto?) is at risk. The upcoming winter may be very cold for them, as winters can be in the forests of Burgundy.

This is due to a bloody fire thatdestroyed the multi-use barn of the restaurant, which is also a true model farmhouse; one of these farms where all the students of agricultural colleges should serve an internship. Because of this fire, Fred Ménager, the owner, has undergone many losses, expenses, and shortfalls. On top of these, there are the (inevitable) sluggish procedures of insurance companies. The claims adjuster has not called in yet – always the same old tune…

Hence, Fred, as all those who have not sold their soul, will live from hand to mouth; it is his choice, his honour, his dignity. It is up to us, each according to his means, to show our gratitude to this farmer, this cook of delights. This not about charity, but about solidarity, lending a hand; it is about preserving Arcadia, a utopia that is alive and in danger; until the break of spring.

Today, we have set up a secure, transparent platform (link) that will give us an opportunity to tell Fred that we love him. Let us be generous; Nature will be benevolent in return; the Future will be thankful.

 

The pictures that illustrate this petition are taken from the wonderful book of recipes dedicated to La Ruchotte, it spirit and its produce. (Éditions Alternatives - available only in French). If you haven’t read it yet, do not hesitate to look for it! And many thanks to Alex Limpach for the translation!