The first question we know we will be asked is about our name. Why “Ratatouille”? Because of its French origins, which inspire our cuisine, because it’s a warm, shareable dish, and because it’s made with fresh, local ingredients… There are many reasons, but we believe you’ll need to experience Ratatouille firsthand to truly understand its meaning!
In the meantime, let us take you through the little story behind this dish from Nice, which inspired the name of our new experience on Principale Street in Magog.
The Origin of the Name
Ratatouille comes from Occitan, the language spoken in southern France and parts of Italy and Spain. The word ratatolha is etymologically linked to the French verb touiller, which means to stir. However, it didn’t always refer to the dish we know today.
In the 18th century, a ratatouille was more like a low-quality stew, a mix of leftovers. Nothing very appetizing!
It wasn’t until 1952, in an article published in the magazine La Vie du Rail, that we see the first “real” ratatouille recipe as we know it today. It was described as a dish from Nice, in southern France, filled with delicious, locally grown vegetables. Since then, many chefs have revisited the classic ratatouille, adding their own twists with chicken, chickpeas, or even sausage.
What’s in It?
Ratatouille is a dish made with several fresh seasonal vegetables: ripe tomatoes, red bell peppers, small zucchinis, eggplant, onions, garlic and olive oil, a very popular condiment in Mediterranean countries. The trick is to cook each vegetable separately before combining them all to finish cooking together. This way, each vegetable keeps its full flavour and cooks to perfection.
The Famous Herbes de Provence
What would ratatouille be without Herbes de Provence? This mix of dried herbs is used in Provençal cuisine to enhance flavour. In France, the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) states that for a mix to receive the “Label Rouge”, a national label guaranteeing superior quality, it must contain these ratios: 19% thyme, 27% rosemary, 27% savory, and 27% oregano. However, some blends also include basil, marjoram, estragon, sage, and even fennel.
The movie
It’s impossible to talk about ratatouille without mentioning the 2007 film of the same name. In this animated movie, a rat named Remy, accidentally separated from his family, ends up in the kitchen of a fancy Parisian restaurant. Skilled in the kitchen, he helps his new cook friend rise through the culinary ranks.
This Pixar film truly launched ratatouille onto the world stage. Remy’s version of the dish has been recreated many times by culinary creators online.
And Finally, Our Project!
Inspired by the story of this French dish, we decided to name our project Ratatouille. Honestly, the metaphor was just too perfect! Like a mix of delicious seasonal vegetables, our project will include several offerings: a gourmet boutique, a café, ready-to-eat meals, and culinary workshops. What ties everything together is our desire to showcase local and seasonal products, to create a welcoming space where both locals and visitors can eat and drink well… and to highlight the unique talents of everyone involved in this project!
Dropping by Ratatouille means experiencing what it’s all about. See you there soon?