Raclette is today part of those traditional recipes that have met globalization. Like pizza, it’s for better and for worse.
Ah, raclette, you are not unaware that she, like many before her, and after, is a great traveler. And she had everything she needed for it! Daughter of the mountains and friend of the shepherds, she grows first in the soothing calm of the Alps. The calm that has made her what we know today, a comforting dish, a dish that brings us together for a family or friendly meal.
Almost, almost! It is her meeting with the raclette grill that heralds this new, original raclette. It is enough to delight more than one skier! They will tell you that this is the one, the real raclette.
Our traditional raclette gathers around it ever more people, amateurs, enthusiasts and above all travelers. Yes, travelers from all four corners of the world! It is a world of possibilities opening up to it. In turn, it leaves its native Alps for a journey of discovery.
It follows its Quebecois friends, who perhaps have as much in common with it as they come from a snow country. Here in Quebec, they eat poutine, a comforting dish with fries and cheese… Hmm? This recipe seems familiar… Without further ado, raclette takes an interest in poutine, and tries its Quebecois friends with a reimagined raclette: why not replace the cheddar and make a version with raclette cheese?
Delighted with this culinary sharing, raclette continues its journey, this time on an island in the middle of the Pacific. It lands in Hawaii, well aware of the warnings from its Pizza friend. You see, raclette is as curious as on day one, and it dreams of original accompaniments. So when its new Hawaiian friends suggest that putting pineapple in raclette would be a wonderful idea, it agrees. If it does not like the result, it does not say so! It now knows that anything is possible!
So, with its new ideas in mind, it travels to Singapore. It has heard that this island is a land of encounter, especially culinary. So, when it finds sushi there, it is not surprised, it is also far from its homeland! The two agree to offer their version of culinary encounter: Raclette Sushi! And of course, in respect for the craft, the sushi will be served at the restaurant, the melted cheese in front of the gourmands before mixing the two. For a while, this fusion even becomes a best-seller at a local restaurant, the Hana!
Satisfied, raclette sets off again on the road. It continues its journey around the world, leaving behind traces of its passage in the regions it has touched. Head full of memories, it takes the path back, eager to return to its mountains. On arrival, what a surprise to learn that its journey will have carried its recipe with it. And that today, the raclette is a winter tradition in France! It even sparks debates there! What can one eat with it? Do we have the right to add ingredients?
Rich in its adventures, raclette knows well that everyone eats what they want! Cozy by the fire in its mountains, it relishes all these stories. It knows its traditional recipe and its origins, and it will share it with anyone who comes to find it.
See you very soon, and good evening, Raclette.
