Mauléon-Licharre: Solidarity chefs mobilize for Down syndrome in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques

A gourmet charity picnic is being held on August 16 at the Vinaigrerie Saint-Jacques. The proceeds will be donated to the Trisomie 21 Pyrénées-Atlantiques association.

On Saturday, August 16, the Disciples of Escoffier are hosting a gourmet charity picnic at the Saint-Jacques Vinaigrerie in Mauléon-Licharre. Three local disciples, Jean-Philippe Lanouguère (Saint-Jacques Vinaigrerie), Alain Samalens (Patatxou), and Beñat Itoiz (Maison de la Châtaigne), will be cooking alongside other committed chefs, including Emmanuelle Algrain, a former Top Chef contestant.

A meal made with local produce will be prepared on-site by volunteer chefs for ten euros. All produce is provided by partner producers, and all proceeds will be donated to the Trisomie 21 Pyrénées-Atlantiques association.

The meal will be hosted by two musical groups, and around 200 people are expected.

The day before, Friday, August 15, an event is planned as part of the Espadrille Festival. Chefs will offer pintxos, and producers who are disciples of Escoffier will showcase their creations. Once again, the proceeds will go to Trisomie 21 Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

The originator of this initiative: Jean-Philippe Lanouguère, a master vinegar maker renowned far beyond the Basque Country. It was while watching his brewer brother-in-law discarding his vat dregs that he came up with the idea of making vinegar about fifteen years ago. "It was originally a passion, which has become a profession."

Today, he offers nearly 80 varieties of artisanal vinegars in his shop in Mauléon-Licharre, with varied and surprising flavors. He is a culinary academic, a disciple of Escoffier, a gold medalist at the international Best Of Gastronomy competition, a master restaurateur, recognized by Gault et Millau and a member of Euro-toques.

His expertise led him to train professionals (notably at the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon) and to travel regularly as an ambassador for international vinegar masters, whether in Germany, Canada, or Corsica. He would soon discover England and Zanzibar.

Today, there are around a hundred master vinegar makers in the world, including only six in France.

Register now at 06 16 54 22 83.