Latest news with #gourmetFood
Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
French astronaut's gourmet menu is out of this world
Fine dining is not one of the usual attractions of a space mission but one French astronaut is set to enjoy both the stars and a gourmet experience on her mission next year. Lobster bisque with crab and caraway, shredded beef with black garlic, chocolate cream with hazelnut flower and coconut and smoked vanilla rice pudding are among the gastronomic delights that Sophie Adenot will tuck into aboard the International Space Station. Anne-Sophie Pic, who holds more Michelin stars than any other female chef, has created a special menu for the astronaut. Pic is accustomed to having her most exquisite dishes described as 'out of this world' but said she was especially thrilled that Adenot will take them into orbit. Astronauts often have to make do with freeze-dried meals, such as macaroni cheese or chicken soup, but Adenot will be able to choose from four starters, two main courses and two desserts. 'Bonus food' catered to suit the tastes of individual crew members makes up about a tenth of their diet, adding variety and boosting their mental wellbeing. Adenot's menu was described as 'a pinch of France in space' by the European Space Agency (ESA). The astronaut said she chose Pic as her personal chef because of their shared love of creative cuisine, as well as time-honoured classics. '[Pic's] cuisine signature is deeply influenced by the terroir. This is important to me because I grew up in the countryside and it will remind me of my roots,' Adenot said. 'Anne-Sophie's menu will not only surprise our taste buds and delight our palates, it will also allow us to reconnect with the Earth.' The menu will include onion soup with pink peppercorns and gratinéed croutons, chicken with voatsiperifery pepper from Madagascar, tonka beans with Comté cheese polenta and foie gras cream on toasted brioche. Adenot said sharing the menu with her fellow astronauts would help her bond with them. 'During a mission, sharing food is a way to invite our crewmates to discover more about our culture. It is a very special bonding moment for all of us and a welcome change in our day-to-day routine.' Food taken aboard the space station is subject to strict rules. It must be crumb-free, lightweight and able to be stored for at least 24 months, according to the ESA. That means most meals must be canned, vacuum-packed or freeze-dried. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a luxury that can only be enjoyed when a spacecraft arrives with supplies. 'Cooking for space means pushing the boundaries of gastronomy,' Pic said. 'With my team in the research and development lab we embraced a thrilling challenge: preserving the emotion of taste despite extreme technical constraints.' The women met by chance in what Adenot described as a 'stroke of fate'. She added: 'Nothing pre-destined us to meet and work together and yet we ended up collaborating on this collective adventure.' Pic was born into a family of restaurateurs in Valence in the south of France. She has several restaurants in France the Cristal Room in London.
Cosmopolitan ME
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Miami Vibes is pulling up to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, get ready, Miami Vibes is back, but this time, there's a twist. We're swapping sidewalks for seatbelts and strolls for steering wheels. That's right – Miami Vibes: Drive-Thru Edition is rolling into the capital with a brand-new spin. Okay, hear us out: what if your next night out didn't involve long lines, standing around, or hunting for a table? What if, instead, you could just drive through the vibes – literally? It's everything you love about Miami Vibes, but now it's all happening from the comfort of your car. We're talking gourmet food passed through your window, neon lights at every turn, music streaming through your speakers, and photo ops you don't even need to leave your seat to enjoy. From indulgent sliders and loaded fries to iced matcha and Insta-worthy desserts, every stop along the route is designed to make you say 'Okay, this is actually amazing.' And it's not just food – expect pop-up shops, glowing art installations, and a few surprises along the way. Whether you're out with friends, on a casual date night, or just wanting to do something new, this is your excuse to get dressed up, roll the windows down and fully vibe out. We don't know exactly where we will be or when it will launch yet but trust us when we say it's coming soon and will be worth the wait. Stay tuned… the countdown's officially on. Eid is around the corner, check out these things to do over the long weekend.
