National Vichyssoise Day: A Celebration of Creamy Cold Soup
National Vichyssoise Day is an annual culinary celebration dedicated to the delicious French-inspired cold soup made from puréed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock. This creamy delicacy, pronounced “vee-shee-swahz,” has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: November 18th
- Tagged as: Food holiday, Culinary celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalVichyssoiseDay
- When was it founded?: Exact founding date unknown
- Who founded it?: Founder not specified
History of National Vichyssoise Day
While the exact origins of National Vichyssoise Day are unclear, the soup itself has a fascinating history. Vichyssoise was created in 1917 by French chef Louis Diat while working at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City. Inspired by a potato and leek soup from his childhood, Diat adapted the recipe to create a chilled version, naming it after Vichy, a town near his hometown in France.
Timeline
- 19th century: Potato and leek soup recipes appear in French cookbooks
- 1869: French chef Jules Gouffé publishes a similar hot soup recipe
- 1917: Louis Diat creates Vichyssoise at the Ritz-Carlton in New York
- 1950: Diat recounts the soup’s creation in a New Yorker magazine interview
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | November 18 | Saturday |
| 2029 | November 18 | Sunday |
Observed
National Vichyssoise Day is celebrated by food enthusiasts, chefs, and soup lovers across the United States. People commemorate this day by preparing homemade vichyssoise, visiting French restaurants, or sharing their love for this creamy soup on social media.
Fun Facts About Vichyssoise
- Vichyssoise is traditionally served cold but can be enjoyed hot as well.
- The soup gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Vichyssoise inspired Anthony Bourdain’s lifelong passion for food.
- It was featured in the 1992 movie “Batman Returns.”
Quiz
- Who created Vichyssoise?
- In which year was Vichyssoise invented?
- What are the main ingredients of Vichyssoise?
- How is Vichyssoise traditionally served?
-(Answers: 1. Louis Diat, 2. 1917, 3. Leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock, 4. Cold)
FAQs
Q: Is Vichyssoise a French or American invention?
A: While inspired by French cuisine, Vichyssoise was actually invented in America by a French chef.
Q: Can Vichyssoise be served hot?
A: Yes, although traditionally served cold, Vichyssoise can be enjoyed hot as well.
Q: How long can Vichyssoise be stored in the refrigerator?
A: Vichyssoise can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Importance of National Vichyssoise Day
National Vichyssoise Day celebrates culinary creativity and cultural fusion. It highlights the impact of French cuisine on American gastronomy and encourages people to explore new flavors and cooking techniques.
Related
- National Soup Month
- Potato Day
- Leek Day
- French Cuisine Day
- Cold Foods Day