Bungendore’s terroir: showcasing the taste of place

In the classic Australian country setting of Bungendore Village nestles Le Tres Bon Restaurant, run by renowned French chef Christophe Gregoire and his wife Josephine, and aptly translated as ‘the very good.’

This charming restaurant and cooking school is the epitome of provincial France; an old brick fireplace, elegant timber chairs and cloth draped tables topped with fresh flowers furnish the dining room for a romantic ambiance suited to intimate dining.

Classic French dishes are prepared with local produce and inspired by Christophe’s world travels.Chef Christophe Gregoire was born and raised in the Les Vosges region of France.

Here, he immersed himself in a culinary tradition that has been alive for centuries, one based on seasonal produce and the landscape’s generous bounty. What attracts a person to a place? Beauty? Historic buildings and cultural activities? The pace of life? A desire to connect to a community? For Christophe Gregoire, the answer is twofold: terroir – the taste of the place, and he fell in love.

He explains that the flavour of agricultural produce, like wine, reflects a region’s climate, soil, farming practices, and even the physical shape of the landscape. Christophe fell in love with Josephine when he was a teacher in a hospitality school in Nouméa, New Caledonia.

They share a passion for culinary excellence and commitment to using the best techniques to deliver the best product possible to customers, delivering the authentic taste of Bungendore and surrounds; the terroir of Bungendore. Living, working and raising a family in Bungendore, Christophe and Josephine complement each other in life as well as their passion for food, bringing their hearts full of vitality and warmth to Le Très Bon.

The Gregoires moved into the region as part of a lifestyle change. Working in the hospitality field calls for long hours and physically demanding work. The Gregoires believe it is a privilege and pleasure to live and work in the same area. They have three daughters: Catherine, Gabrielle, and Claire. Since opening its doors in 2007, Le Tres Bon was listed one of the Top 20 Restaurants in the Canberra Times Food & Wine Annual in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

The restaurant was also awarded an Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) Chef Hat in 2013 and 2014. In 2015 and 2016, Christophe and Josephine were awarded a AGFG Chef Hat for the cooking school and in 2017 they won the AGFG People’s Choice Award.

Why Bungendore?

Christophe’s and Josephine’s first French restaurant was established in 1999 in Manuka. ACT. After 7 years in Manuka, it was time for a more authentic life closer to food producers and winemakers. The town’s proximity to the ACT meant that Bungendore offered a resilient local economy, the benefits of life in a country village as well as educational opportunities and cultural activities for their daughters.

For Christophe, the art of cooking means revealing the inherent beauty of quality produce. A master culinarian, he aims to provide his patrons with a memorable gastronomic experience rather than just a meal. He specialises in traditional classic French cooking. Christophe said he and Josephine believe that the flavour of the gastronomic experience is enhanced by the ambience of a restaurant which represents the essence of a place. Terroir: the taste of the place.

Le Tres Bon is located at 40 Malbon St, Bungendore or contact at 62380662.

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