In centuries of Franco-British rivalry, the French have always claimed the crown of culinary superiority over their neighbours across the Channel. But now a handful of Anglo-Saxon food enthusiasts are trying to convince French gourmets that British cuisine long derided as dull and tasteless is worthy of the Garlic palate.
While Britons stereotype the French as surviving on a diet of frog's legs, garlic and snails, the French typically see British food as an unappetising mix of boiled meat, mint sauce and jelly.
Penny Holmes, wife of Britain's ambassador to Paris, hopes French cooks will set aside their preconceptions and try a taste of Britain, and has co-written a French-language book of classic British recipes to encourage them.
"Simply British" features classic dishes such as steak and kidney pie, fish and chips, scones, and trifle a fruit, custard and cream dessert, as well as less traditional favourites like chicken tikka masala curry.