Behind the pages: Radilicious – Unearthing the roots of Europe's veggie virtuosos
Hello again from the spirited road-trippers at Untold Books! Today, we’re back in the blogosphere to sprinkle some behind-the-scenes magic from our latest endeavor, Radilicious. Conceived by the visionary Frank Fol, known far and wide as "The Vegetables Chef," this book is his battle cry to get more greens (and reds, and yellows) onto plates across the globe through the artistry of Europe’s top chefs.
The Seed of an Idea
It all started with Frank’s passion for pushing vegetables from side dish to centerpiece. Inspired to showcase the culinary creativity flowing through the veins of Europe’s best vegetable chefs, Frank set us—Mieke, with her narrative talent, and Wim, with his camera always at the ready—on a path that has been nothing short of a revelation.
Today’s Special: Chef Rene Mathieu
Just last week, our Radilicious road trip took us to the heart of the forest that embraces La Distillerie, the unique realm of Chef Rene Mathieu. This wasn't just a visit; it was an exploration into the wild, literally. Chef Mathieu, a maestro of botanical cuisine, guided us through the lush greenery that supplies up to 80% of his ingredients directly from the wild. With each step and every leaf turned, Rene shared his philosophy — the forest not only inspires his dishes but also dictates them, depending on what is available each season.
The magic of this experience was palpable as we foraged alongside him, discovering herbs and plants we’d never known could find their way to a dinner plate. The dishes Rene crafts are a testament to the purity and intensity of flavors that can only be found in nature, untouched and unadulterated. Each meal at La Distillerie isn't just eaten; it's experienced, reflecting the wild, unpredictable beauty of the forest.
Wim captured every shimmer of light through the canopy, every vibrant color of the edible flowers, while I scribbled notes, trying to bottle up Rene’s passion and the tranquility of the setting. This chapter of our journey underlined the profound connection between our food and its natural origins, a theme that resonates deeply throughout Radilicious.
Behind Every Dish, a Story
As Mieke teases out tales of creativity and passion, and Wim captures the lush visuals, we’re more than just documenting—we’re storytelling. Each farm visit, each chef’s anecdote adds depth to the Radilicious narrative, painting a fuller picture of the movement Frank Fol envisioned.
The Road Ahead
With months still to go until Radilicious graces bookstores, the anticipation among food lovers and chefs alike is palpable. We’re halfway through our journey, and the excitement at Untold Books is bubbling over. Each chef’s encounter is a new recipe in our growing collection, each farm a reminder of the roots of this culinary revolution.
Stay Tuned
Keep your eyes peeled on our blog for more sneak peeks and fun tales from our travels. We’re not just making a cookbook; we’re crafting a movement, one delicious, vegetable-packed dish at a time.
Embark on the Journey with Us
As we continue to explore, taste, and learn, we invite you to join us on this verdant voyage. There’s a lot more to uncover, many more chefs to meet, and an endless array of dishes to sample. So, grab your forks—and maybe a farmer’s hat—because this is one culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Stay hungry, stay curious, and let’s make every meal a celebration of vegetables!
