Haute Cuisine

Hortense Laborie (Catherine Frot), a renowned chef from Périgord, is astonished when the President of the Republic (Jean d'Ormesson) appoints her his personal cook, responsible for creating all his meals at the Élysée Palace. Despite jealous resentment from the other kitchen staff, Hortense quickly establishes herself, thanks to her indomitable spirit. The authenticity of her cooking soon seduces the President, but the corridors of power are littered with traps.

Ortans is compelled to be imposed on a completely male-dominated world, not just politics, but mainly that of the kitchen. Using simple, elementary ingredients, the film outlines the personality of the heroine: dignified, serious, disciplined, rigorous, it takes its tenderness and warmth only in cooking.

Haute Cuisine is a 2012 French comedy-drama film based on the true story of Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch and how she was appointed as the private chef for François Mitterrand. The original French title is Les Saveurs du Palais. It is worth noting that Jean d'Ormesson, who embodies President Mitterrand in the film, is not an actor, he is a French intellectual. He knew Mitterrand well, with whom he discussed philosophical and religious issues, and was one of his critics.

Directed: Christian Vincent
Cast: Catherine Frot, Arthur Dupont, Jean d’Ormesson, Hippolyte Girardot, Jean - Marc Roulot

In French with English and Greek subtitles

With delectable treats by Sousou@Rialto and Madam Bar

With the support: SEK
Media Sponsor: CYBC

@ SEK Parking place (behind Rialto Theatre)

Duration: 104'

Tickets: € 8