• Director(s):

    ALLES (CHANTAL)

  • Producer(s):

    ARTE FRANCE, 2P2L

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2014

  • Language(s):

    German, French

  • Rights:

    TV, DVD, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET, VOD

It was obvious that The Potato Eaters, the painting by Vincent Van Gogh that depicts a family gathered around a frugal meal, was going to inspire leading Alsatian chef Marc Haeberlin. 

This central painting in the famous Dutch painter’s oeuvre is analysed by his curator and biographer, who sheds light on the various stages of its creation. Marc Haeberlin, who is particularly fond of the potato, will combine the commonplace tuber with more noble produce to glorify it, in a wonderful reply to the contrast suggested by Van Gogh’s canvass. Contrary to popular belief, the potato - a rather banal present day food - was not introduced on a tray by Antoine Parmentier in the late 18th century. Its history takes us back to the Incas, and subsequently to the Prussians, in a famine-stricken Europe. To enhance the dish, Marc Haeberlin’s favourite distiller pours a few drops of vodka - an alcohol originally made from potato.