At Alice Roca's table
We are extremely happy to invite you for this new home tour with Alice Roca , a talented cook, author and stylist, previously known under the pseudonym Alice in food.
We meet her in her pretty Norman house, which she shares with her wife and their children, around her table dressed as Tomète .
We discuss with her the art of hosting , which is precisely the common thread of her latest work “ Réunir ” (published by FIRST). A true summary of his culinary and creative talents, this book offers numerous recipes and decoration ideas for your next meetings with your loved ones.
We warmly thank Alice for her welcome, for her support of Tomète and for taking the time to prepare us a delicious soup between the different shots of the shoot (yes, we are lucky!).
Welcome to Alice Roca's table.
Tomète: What type of host are you? Team “I think about the menu and decoration weeks before” or team “last minute”?
Alice Roca: I would say that I fall into both categories, depending on the event I have to prepare for.
As part of my professional activity, the menus and tables that I prepare involve a lot of work and are carefully thought out in advance.
On the other hand, in the context of my personal receptions, I receive in a fairly simple and spontaneous way. I have so many things on hand at home that I can find inspiration very easily. I usually start with a tablecloth and plates, which I choose based on the flowers I've picked from my garden. The rest of the table setting then follows very naturally.
What is your ideal number of guests?
I really like the very intimate side of a dinner with just a couple of friends, which allows you to have quite personal discussions. Or conversely, I love meals where there are a lot of us, these atmospheres of large tables of 10 to 12 people.
If you could invite just one guest to your next dinner party, living or dead, who would it be?
Very difficult to choose only one person, but I think I would like to have Marguerite Duras at my table.
A song that we will definitely listen to if we are invited to your house:
You will definitely hear Bertrand Belin, he is an artist that we greatly appreciate.
The cocktail or drink you can expect to taste when you arrive home:
A very good glass of natural wine is the basis for me.
Your dream menu includes:
A gargantuan brunch, because I like the idea of there being lots of different dishes and tastes, of being able to taste as many things as possible.
What gift do you usually give your hosts when you are invited?
I really like to bring wine or a “homemade” gift, such as a bouquet of flowers from the garden, jam, tomato sauce or my sourdough bread.
A memorable memory or something special to share about your family meals?
Difficult to choose a specific moment. On the other hand, I remember a generally very lively atmosphere during family meals, with many arguments around political subjects in particular. There was atmosphere!
A recipe or decoration book to recommend to help our readers prepare their next receptions?
There are so many books that inspire me, it's hard to choose just one. The books that most reflect my culinary sensitivity and my tastes in tableware are naturally those that I have written, including my latest “Réunir” (published by FIRST), devoted precisely to the art of bringing together our loved ones.
Your favorite at Tomète:
Two-tone scalloped round placemats, particularly in the terracotta/yellow ocher range. I find them magnificent.
Who would you like to see on our newspaper for our next Home Tour?
My friend Lili Barbery who welcomes wonderfully, and thanks to whom I discovered Tomète. The circle would be closed!
Photos and video: Antoine Sorel