The Domaine des Crayères farmers' market returns for its 14th edition

The relationship between producers and chefs is often essential to the smooth running of an establishment. Highlighting this behind-the-scenes work is a good way of supporting these professions. This is the initiative behind the Farmers' Market, open to all and dreamed up by Philippe Mille in 2010. The former chef of the Le Parc Les Crayères restaurant, who now has his own establishment, was replaced in March 2024 by Christophe Moret. The latter also shares the same vision as the former head chef, for whom "suppliers are not just suppliers. They are partners." He will continue to perpetuate this autumn tradition on the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024.

An ode to producers and their know-how

The Domaine des Crayères, a famous seven-hectare house in Reims, is home to two restaurants, Le Parc (4 toques) and Le Jardin (2 toques). In this six-toque setting, producers play a key role in the cuisine. " If I have the best possible partners, then I can try to make the best possible cuisine," says Christophe Moret. I met two market gardeners at Domaine des Crayères the day after I arrived in March. Together, we drew up a planting schedule, from which we have just harvested our first produce". This market gardener's grandson makes it a point of honor that his "partners live, not survive, by their trade. Otherwise, sooner or later, they'll cease to exist. Personally, I saw my grandparents who didn't really earn their living from this work, so I have a very strong attachment to these producers".

A vast open-air market

In all, some forty producers will be showcasing their expertise in cheese, poultry, fruit and vegetables, and honey. The profiles will be very different: "There will be newcomers to the market, as well as old hands who have been here for a long time, because their work is so beautiful", explains Christophe Moret, "For me, this kind of event is essential. They serve a perpetual quest to maintain curiosity, to discover producers and products. It's a win-win situation: the producers benefit from a great exhibition, and they can meet customers they wouldn't otherwise be able to attract. For us, it's a way of introducing our cuisine to the general public", he adds.

No fewer than 5,000 visitors are expected to visit the various stalls in the estate's garden. The curious will be able to enjoy musical entertainment thanks to a jazzy evening on Saturday and the brass band "Les Vieux des Boules" all weekend long. On the catering side, a champagne bar, where the chef and his teams have made sure to "taste all the wines", will serve fast-food dishes in parallel. Quality being the order of the day at Domaine des Crayères, you'll find a croque-truffe or a "lobster roll" with salmon gravlax.