THE FOUNDING OF EURO-TOQUES


Euro-Toques or the European Community of Cooks is a pan-European organisation representing 3,500 European cooks. The organisation was founded in Brussels in 1986 by Mr. Pierre Romeyer of Le Maison de Bouche, a well known three star Michelin restaurant. Mr. Romeyer invited an eminent chef from each European country to join him in implementing his ideals. The founding team were Mr. Gualtiero Marchesi of Italy, Mr. Juan Mari Arzak of Spain, Mr. Paul Bocuse of France, Mr. Cas Spijker from Holland and Dr. Myrtle Allen from Ireland. Each founding chef set up the organisation in their own country, selecting exceptional chefs to support them as assistant commissioners.

Official recognition was awarded to the organisation by Mr. Jacques Delors, who was President of the E.C. at that time. Euro-Toques is now recognised by the EU as a promoter of quality food and acts as a lobby group on European food legislation. Each national branch lobbies its own ministries of food and agriculture, to protect the food in their own country.

EURO-TOQUES IRELAND

Euro-Toques was established in Ireland by Dr. Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House. Assisting Myrtle in those first years were Mr. John Howard (Le Coq Hardi), Mr. Declan Ryan (Arbutus Lodge Hotel), Mr. Gerry Galvin (Drimcong House). Today our membership is composed of over 170 of Ireland's leading cooks, who support the philosophy of buying quality, fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to serve to their customers. In this way our chefs can promise and deliver on flavour, authenticity and provenance.


MISSION STATEMENT

Euro-Toques quest is to protect and pass onto future generations a respect for culinary traditions and best principles of cooking; and to work with and lobby on behalf of quality producers, to ensure that foods with real flavour, texture and taste are available now and in the future for our chefs, customers and children.


OBJECTIVES


The main objectives of the organisation are to:

  • Protect the fine quality and flavour of food.
  • Support producers of the best foods in Europe, be they small artisan food producers or large organisations.
  • Maintain the traditional dishes and traditional ways of preparing and cooking food of the regions of Europe.
  • To facilitate a rapport between chefs of different countries.
  • To oppose all measures which detract from the healthy production, intrinsic quality and flavour of foods.
  • To oppose the inclusion of non-food additives for colouring, shelf life etc.
It is Euro-Toques belief that food is not just a commodity but part of our cultural heritage, the most fragile of all our heritages. Good food is also central to our health and happiness.