C'est Si Bon: Infusing O-Town with a Taste of France
by Stephanie SnyderMonday, July 27, 2009
OTownStyle.com gets an inside look at "C'est Si Bon!" from Event Coordinator Patrick Kahn.
The first time I meet Patrick Kahn, we're scheduled to rendezvous at Stardust Video & Coffee. It's one of his favorite places in Orlando: cozy, bohemian and a wonderful hub for friends, drink, film and culture to converge -- which I soon realize is the same sort of theme for the French Street Fair Patrick is organizing with the French American Business Council of Orlando (FABCO) and the Audubon Garden Park District, a unique neighborhood just north of downtown Orlando with a mix of singular shops, fabulous restaurants and friendly, locally-owned businesses, all within walking distance of beautiful Leu Gardens. The festive event is called "C'est Si Bon!"
Patrick tells me he's been living in Orlando "about four years on-and-off physically, and just about six months mentally." He is fiercely a Los Angeleno at heart (he lived in L.A. for 25 years and is the owner of the uber-stylish publication TheBookLA), but is determined to bring some of the culture of L.A. to Orlando -- a "discerning sense for the arts." I have a feeling that C'est Si Bon is only the beginning.
OTOWNSTYLE.COM: How did the idea for "C'est Si Bon!" come about?
PATRICK KAHN: Well, I was planning the event with Audubon Park Garden District, and I thought the use of the word "Bon" seemed appropriate, as it means "good" and it also rhymes with Audubon. But "Bon," I thought, was not spectacular enough... I needed a superlative. Thus, "C'est Si Bon" -- which means "It's sooo good!"
OTS.COM: Why did you choose this as the name for the event?
PK: It's the name of a popular song, rendered famous by Eartha Kitt (an American singing in French -- how sexy), and I could just hear it echo in my head as I was visualizing the event. Of course, the song will also be played that night at some point.
OTS.COM: Who are some vendors you absolutely cannot miss at this event and why?
PK: All are going to be great, and give their best. There will be wines, champagnes, chocolates, quiches, waffles, crepes, cheeses, kebab, and plenty more. Try them one by one, and have a blast!
OTS.COM: What type of films will you be playing on the projectors at the event? Any must-sees?
PK: Stardust has a collection of rare French films, they may show some incredible ones such as "Crin Blanc," a rare masterpiece about the friendship between a young boy and a white horse, which I had seen as a child and I was so surprised to see it at Stardust Video -- I mean, kudos to them!
OTS.COM: What is the recommended attire for the festival?
PK: I would love if people would come dressed in white with accents of red and blue. That would be casual chic, Miami/St. Tropez style.
OTS.COM: What is the overall goal for FABCO with events like "C'est Si Bon!"?
PK: Being a cross-cultural networking platform, around fine food, art, fashion and entertainment. The key is to bring culture, charm, and the unexpected element not found in the most conventional networking organizations.
OTS.COM: Tell me more about the French community in Orlando.
PK: I have yet to fully discover it...that's why I am an active board member of FABCO. I want to meet more people with similar cultural roots and/or aspirations through some of our stimulating events. When I lived in Los Angeles, I was part of a French community of about 300,000 -- many of my friends were involved in fashion, film, photography, art, music, French cuisine, etc. The L.A. French community is very alive. I miss that here -- but I believe it can be shaped with a little bit of time and a lot of commitment.
OTS.COM: If someone didn't really know much about French culture and wanted to learn, what filmmakers, artists or musicians would you recommend?
- Filmmakers: Francois Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Jean-Pierre Melville, Jean-Jacques Beineix, Jean Cocteau
- Artists: Auguste Renoir, Rodin, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Brassai, Sophie Calle, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Coco Chanel
- Musicians: Claude Debussy, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Francoise Hardy, Serge Gainsbourg, Manu Chao, Justice, Air
OTS.COM: What inspires and motivates you?
PK: Soul and beauty.
OTS.COM: Describe Orlando in three words.
PK: To Be Rebranded.
