Beyond the Vines: Exploring Bordeaux’s Rich Gastronomy
While Bordeaux is often synonymous with world-famous wines, the region also boasts a rich gastronomy deeply connected to the land, sea, and Garonne River. The area offers a diverse culinary experience, from fresh seafood to unique local delicacies. Here’s a look at some of the standout dishes and ingredients that define Bordeaux’s vibrant food scene:
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Aquitaine caviar
France is the world’s third-largest producer of farmed caviar with most of it coming from the Bordeaux region. The sturgeons are raised for at least 7 years before their eggs are harvested and aged to perfection, producing caviar of exceptional quality and flavor. Some farms open their doors to visitors and even offer the novel experience of joining the sturgeons in their pools.
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Oysters from Arcachon & Cap Ferret
The Atlantic coast is just an hour from Bordeaux, making fresh seafood a staple in the region. Arcachon is one of France’s seven distinct oyster-growing areas, and the local oysters are a must-try, as they are not exported or sold in grocery stores. Visiting the local market or oyster sheds in Arcachon to enjoy these oysters with red wine vinegar and chopped shallots is a quintessential Bordeaux experience.
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Foie Gras
Though Foie Gras is originally from Dordogne, this luxury French delicacy made from the liver of a duck or goose is a staple of Bordelaise cuisine. With the proximity of Dordogne to Bordeaux, top-quality Foie Gras is commonly found on local menus. It’s often served during celebrations, and pairing it with the sweet wines of Sauternes is a match made in heaven.
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Cèpes de Bordeaux
The maritime climate of Bordeaux and the surrounding pine forests create an ideal environment for cèpes (porcini mushrooms) to thrive. You will find them on the menus of local restaurants in the autumn, but they can also be dried and used all year round. They add a rich, nutty flavor to dishes like risotto or can be sautéed with butter, shallots, and garlic for a delightful starter paired with a glass of Merlot.
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Lamprey à la Bordelaise
Once a delicacy reserved for royalty, lamprey caught in the Gironde estuary is used in a traditional stew with potatoes, leeks, shallots, onions, red wine, and lamprey’s blood. Cognac or Armagnac may be added for extra flavor, transforming the fishiness into a steak-like texture.
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Boeuf de Bazas
Bazas beef, from the protected Bazadaise breed, is raised around the town of Bazas, located an hour south of Bordeaux. This tender and flavorful beef is rarely found outside the region and we recommend enjoying it with bordelaise sauce, a red wine reduction with thyme, shallots, and bone marrow.
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Canelés
Named after the fluted copper molds they are baked in, canelés are made with egg yolks, flour, sugar, vanilla, and rum. The result is a pastry that is crispy and caramelized on the outside but soft on the inside. It is believed that the recipe was created to use the yolks left over from eggs that were separated after the white were used to clarify the local wine. Bordeaux takes its canelés seriously, with the Confrérie du Canelé de Bordeaux protecting the recipe since 1985.
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Dunes Blanches
A Dune Blanche is a delightful pastry originating from the Bordeaux region. It consists of a light, airy chouquette (a small choux pastry) filled with a rich, creamy filling. This simple yet delectable treat was invented by pastry chef Brice Lucas, who created it by filling a chouquette with cream his father, a renowned pastry chef, had prepared for another dessert. Dunes Blanches are now a beloved specialty in Bordeaux, known for their delicate texture and delicious taste.
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Macarons de Saint Emilion
Macarons de Saint Emilion are a traditional French delicacy originating from the town of Saint Emilion, created by the Ursuline nuns in 1620. Made with just three simple ingredients— almonds, egg whites, and sugar— these macarons have a distinctively chewy texture and rich almond flavor, remaining a beloved treat for over 400 years.
To experience these iconic dishes and delicacies of Bordeaux firsthand, paired with the celebrated wines of the region, start planning a trip to Bordeaux!