Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

Photo courtesy of Food France

The latest dining trend to hit France is a revival of interest in bistros, with some of the country’s leading chefs opening casual, off-price eateries. Now, Japanese foodies can get their own taste of this uncomplicated, generous cuisine. The 2010-2011 edition of Food France, an annual showcase of up-and-coming culinary talents organized by superstar chef/restaurateur Alain Ducasse, features a half-dozen figures at the forefront of the “bistro revival.” Kicking off the event from June 10-15 is a range of dishes from Ducasse’s own Aux Lyonnais, a legendary bistro in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement (above). Lunch courses range from ¥3,600-¥6,000, while prix fixe dinners are priced at ¥6,000, ¥7,200 and ¥8,400. The Food France promotion takes place at Benoit (www.benoit-tokyo.com; 03-6419-4181), the charming bistro that Ducasse runs in Aoyama.