What about the pies, though?
They’re at it again. Europe’s two proudest nations are at war. Over who has UN-quality food…
The contest is between Italy and France, and the battle is over whose food should go on the UN’s World Heritage List.
The List was, until now, exclusively for solid, physical things such as the Egyptian Pyramids, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. Not abstracts such as food. And maybe, given the reaction from two of the orignal six members of the EU (a body, let’s not forget, that was created with the goal of diminishing nationalist tendencies…)
But the impeding inclusion of a ‘national cuisine’ has caused an all-out war. France is claiming that with 156 EU recognised ‘exclusive’ foodstuffs ranging from Champagne, foie gras and other delights it has a right to the title. Italy though, goes for quantity. They have 166 recognised foods. To them, this means they are the winners.
On the website news.com.au, Coldiretti, the Italian farmers’ association said: “Italy can respond to their foie gras, armagnac, soupe a l’oignon and escargots (duck or goose liver, brandy, onion soup and snails) with dishes that conquered the world and are much appreciated by the French themselves, like pasta and pizza,”
“With 166 food specialities recognised by the European Union, Italy clearly beats France, in second place with 156,” said Coldiretti, adding that Italy could also “beat the French on their own ground, with parmesan in the area of cheeses and many wines”.
France remained suspiciously quiet on the issue. Did they think Sarkozy might abuse them? Could it be confidence in their abilities? Who knows.
Let them fight it out.
Personally, I’d love it if the underdog won. I’d like to see the look on their faces if Britain stormed ahead with pies, pasties, crumbles and cloudy beer. Or if Germany snuck in there with Wurst, beer, lush cakes and even better wines (yes, German wine IS good… as long as it’s not cheap and bought in the UK).
May the best man win
.
Tags: Coldiretti, EU, Food, France, Germany, Italy, Politics, UK
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