Castelnaudry (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) claims to be the birthplace of the rich bean and meat stew called "Cassoulet" - and celebrates its local dish over the weekend of 24-27 August 2006.
Although it is to my mind a winter dish, a good cassoulet is a wonderful dish made from haricot beans, preserved goose or duck, suasages and garlic, slow cooked in the oven. It is named after the earthenware dish, the "cassole"
The festival offers the opportunity to learn more about the dish and its variations - and there is a competition to find the best cassoulet cook.
The hearty dish deserves a hearty wine - such as a Madiran or Cahors, or a good Corbières for example.
The best Cassoulet I ever tasted was in Carcassonne at the Jardin de la Tour restaurant in the medieval heart of the Cité - quite rustic, great atmosphere and good wines - the Grande Cuvée Castelmaure, Corbières AC. (Le Jardin de la Tour, 11, rue porte d'Aude, Téléphone 04.68.25.71.24
Castelnaudry is between Toulouse and Carcassone, close to Cathar Country and the Canal du MidiSee map
For more info see www.couleur-lauragais.fr/fete-du-cassoulet
In the UK you can find Cassoulet at www.frenchflavour.co.uk
