An exceptional heritage site
The ruins of the Château de Boussu have been listed as exceptional heritage of Wallonia since the decree of 25 July 1996. This historic setting hosted a recreation of the banquet of Renaissance cookery writer Lancelot de Casteau.
A week before the RTBF cameras
RTBF followed the preparation and recreation for a full week. The documentary records the research, culinary gestures and staging of a sixteenth-century meal.
Four courses served à la française
The banquet comprises four services, each divided into different dishes. In service à la française, staff place platters on the tables and guests serve themselves.
The order differs radically from modern meals. In the sixteenth century sweet and savoury foods were not yet clearly separated, so a meal could begin with sweet dishes. The final service, however, was entirely devoted to sweets.
