French Chefs Explore Saudi Cuisine in AlUla, Jeddah

French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.
French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.
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French Chefs Explore Saudi Cuisine in AlUla, Jeddah

French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.
French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.

Two international, French chefs documented an exceptional trip exploring the Saudi cuisine in the cities of AlUla and Jeddah.

Their trip highlighted the richness of Saudi cuisine and the creative touches that can represent the Saudi culture worldwide, and lure those interested in exploring its diversity.

The documentary, "Flavors of Arabia", highlights the rich heritage and varied specialties of the Saudi cuisine, the social culture surrounding it, and the warm welcome and hospitality, as well as the connection between gastronomy and generosity, and local habits and traditions.

The documentary depicts a trip by two of the most influential, award-winning chefs in France, Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet, who traveled to Saudi Arabia to indulge their passion for discovering the thousands of flavors of Saudi cuisine.

Their culinary journey took them to AlUla and Jeddah.

In Jeddah, they went on a fishing trip in the Red Sea, and visited the central fish market and historic Jeddah.

They then moved on to AlUla where they visited its historic landmarks and explored its special products, like dates and citrus fruits, and its different cooking styles.

They met Saudi chefs, who introduced them to local ingredients and cooking methods.

They ended the trip by preparing and serving various dishes inspired by both French and Saudi cuisines.



Buyer Splashes Out $1.3 Million for Tokyo New Year Tuna

 The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
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Buyer Splashes Out $1.3 Million for Tokyo New Year Tuna

 The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)
The head of a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna that was auctioned for 207 million Japanese yen (about 1.3 million US dollars), which was bought jointly by sushi restaurant operator Onodera Group and wholesaler Yamayuki, is carried by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi restaurant after the first tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan January 5, 2025. (Reuters)

The top bidder at a Tokyo fish market said they paid $1.3 million for a tuna on Sunday, the second highest price ever paid at an annual prestigious new year auction.

Michelin-starred sushi restauranteurs the Onodera Group said they paid 207 million yen for the 276-kilogram (608 pound) bluefin tuna, roughly the size and weight of a motorbike.

It is the second highest price paid at the opening auction of the year in Tokyo's main fish market since comparable data started being collected in 1999.

The powerful buyers have now paid the top price for five years straight -- winning bragging rights and a lucrative frenzy of media attention in Japan.

"The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune," Onodera official Shinji Nagao told reporters after the auction. "Our wish is that people will eat this and have a wonderful year."

The Onodera Group paid 114 million yen for the top tuna last year.

But the highest ever auction price was 333.6 million yen for a 278-kilogram bluefin in 2019, as the fish market was moved from its traditional Tsukiji area to a modern facility in nearby Toyosu.

The record bid was made by self-proclaimed "Tuna King" Kiyoshi Kimura, who operates the Sushi Zanmai national restaurant chain.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the new year tunas commanded only a fraction of their usual top prices, as the public were discouraged from dining out and restaurants had limited operations.