The continental Christmas market is back in Belfast. Located in the grounds of the City Hall, it treats the senses with its blend of sights, sounds and smells. The mix of languages, cuisines and cultures is clearly on display. These all add to the growing perception of a Belfast recovering from its past and becoming a more cosmopolitan city. One stall at the market, in particular, drew me in. There, simmering on a very large frying pan, was an aromatic concoction of potatoes, cheese, onions and bacon. Tartiflette! - a local dish from the Savoie region of France. Some people were already queuing for their portions and I wondered if the young Frenchman preparing the food was aware of the publicity given to the dish by London's mayor, Boris Johnston. Boris had offered as proof of the waning value of the £pound that the lunchtime tartiflette he shared on holiday between his "four famished children" would be 25% more expensive this year. The cook proudly unwrapped and showed me the block of Reblochon cheese to guarantee the authenticity of the dish. He ladelled a generous portion into a bowl and I tucked in - transported back to my first taste of the dish in the French Alps. It was the perfect winter warmer and I will be back for more.
Click here for information on the Belfast Continental market and here for Boris Johnston's article.
