French trade minister apologises for describing Xi Jinping’s state dinner as ‘revolting’
Trade Minister Nicole Bricq apologises for embarassing comments critical of state dinner prepared for China's premier Xi Jinping at the Elysee Palace in Paris during his official visit
An embarassed French minister has apologised to the head chef at the Elysee Palace after she was caught on camera describing the food at a China-France state dinner as “revolting”.
Trade Minister Nicole Bricq was caught out after saying the meal served to China’s leader Xi Jinping at the state banquet on Wednesday night was not up to scratch, unaware that microphones were picking up her comments.
“At the Elysee, it wasn’t [up to scratch] at all ... it was revolting. It has to be said,” she was heard saying in a video clip posted online by BFMTV.
The menu at President Francois Hollande’s Elysee Palace on Wednesday night sounded impressive with foie gras truffle, roast poultry from southwestern France and Viennese mushrooms, as well as a chocolate and caramel desert accompanied by fine wines all on the table.
“The minister has called the head chef at the Elysee, Guillaume Gomez, this morning, to make her apologies,” said a source, adding that the cabinet secretary had taken a trip through the kitchens to assure staff that the French president has full confidence in the head chef and his team.
