In 1983, French native Patrick Esquerré opened the first la Madeleine café on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas offering guests a taste of the French countryside. Thirty years and more than 60 cafés later, the authentic French dishes served at la Madeleine Country French Café are still inspired by Patrick’s mother’s cooking, and maintain the integrity of French cuisine by using recipes passed on from one generation to the next.

 

To celebrate this milestone, la Madeleine is asking guests to submit an original recipe using its beloved Tomato Basil soupe via the café’s Facebook page between February 28 and March 24. The best recipe, as determined by la Madeleine’s Facebook fans, will win a week-long trip for two to the Loire Valley region of France complete with a private tour of Paris with la Madeleine founder Patrick Esquerré. During the duration of the “Recipe to Paris” contest, $1 will be donated to the Children’s Hunger Fund for every jar of la Madeleine Tomato Basil soupe purchased in-café.

 

“Sharing our passion for authentic country French cuisine, it’s no surprise that our guests have fallen in love with la Madeleine’s signature Tomato Basil soupe,” says John Cahill, chief operating officer for la Madeleine. “Over the years our guests have told us they enjoy incorporating Tomato Basil soupe into their own recipes at home. This recipe challenge allows us to thank our guests for their years of patronage and award one talented guest with a dream trip for two to France.”