Food writer and Toulouse

Food writer and Toulouse local Ally Mitchell takes you on a tour through Toulouse’s gutbusting and most delicious must try foods. A Taste of FRANCE Taste Toulouse: 10 pink city… legendary foods of the France is without a doubt a world leader in culinary excellence. It’s the country with the most Michelin stars throughout Europe – 627 currently – and can proudly declare some of the most iconic foods in the world as their own. Pleasure is on the menu across the country with regional specialities owning star status. Temptations of tasty Toulouse Toulouse, nicknamed la ville rose thanks to its many buildings in magnificent shades of pink through terracotta, is a city of winding cobbled streets, timber-framed houses - and a bustling food scene. The city’s delicious temptations are irresistible even if, as you’re about to find out, they might add a few pounds! Some of these recommendations are heavy with regional significance, while others demonstrate the city’s expanding menu to cater to all tastes. Most importantly, these 10 foods are tributes to France’s delicious cuisine – and put Toulouse firmly on the food map. Cassoulet First is, of course, cassoulet. If you visit Toulouse without trying this famous regional delicacy, then your experience is incomplete! To say the southern cassoulet is hearty is an understatement. It is a celebration of meat, surrounded by baked white beans which, thanks to their thin skins, soak up all the rich flavours. Cassoulet originated in the medieval era as peasant food and cities across the region all serve their own versions with either mutton, duck or goose. In Toulouse cooking it is considered an art, often presented with a saucisse de Toulouse as well as the preferred meat of the chef, duck confit. Cooked low and slow, the dish is meltingly soft. Saucisse de Toulouse Dating back 250 years, saucisse de Toulouse is sold in coils, like a pink pudgy snake. Made from pork mince, pork belly and the butcher’s own ‘secret’ seasonings, it is an essential ingredient in the regional cassoulet but is also delicious fried. Magret de Canard And yes, the meat continues! An iconic dish of the south-west magret de canard – seared duck breast – is one of the most revered dishes across France. Cooked like a steak, duck breast is pan-fried 82 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 83