Experience the specific and special tastes of the winelands of France, Italy, Spain and South Africa in your own kitchen through the pages of Harvest Table. Featuring over 60 globally inspired dishes accompanied by impeccable visuals, this exquisite hardcover book by Monché Muller, the executive chef of the International Oddo Vins et Domaines wine label, takes readers on a sensational culinary journey.
The book was born from a casual conversation about good food and wine, and grew into a passion project that showcases the stories behind the ingredients, the communities, the local producers and the people who make the Oddo Vins et Domaines wines possible. The recipes themselves vary not only by region, but also by convention — some are traditional, while some, conceptualised specially for the book, pay homage to the traditional but have a contemporary twist.
Oddo Vins et Domaines partners include winemakers and estates in Provence and Sancerre, France; in Sicily, Italy; in Rioja Alavesa, Spain; and in Stellenbosch in South Africa – specifically, Taaibosch, Pink Valley and Le Chant. Monché Muller, who is also head chef at Pink Valley Wines, took inspiration from local culinary delights to capture the soul of each of theseregions.
The resulting smorgasbord of recipes ranges from easy to inventive, and includes the traditional French bouillabaisse (seafood and saffron stew), deep-fried white-anchovy and sage fritters from Italy, leaf masala seafood potjie from South Africa, and Spanish tortillas.
The Oddo family follow a simple principle in their winemaking: they select the best terroir and partners, and rely heavily on local expertise. Pascal and Lorraine Oddo, the owners of Oddo Vins et Domaines, say, ‘For us to play a role in producing wine – that marvellous natural wonder that pairs perfectly with lovingly prepared food – is a privilege and an honour. We celebrate therole they both play in bringing people together. Through Harvest Table, it is our pleasure to share our world of food and wine with you.’
A book that offers readers a glimpse into the Oddos’ world of wine, and the food and cuisine cultures that complement and are inextricably linked to the gift of the grape, Harvest Table was recently announced as a winner in two categories, in the international and the food and drink category at the 2022 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards — often described as ‘the Oscars of the cookbook world’ — and will be put forward to compete as ‘best in the world’, representing South Africa at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Sweden in May, 2023.