Bisque and Foie Gras, heading for space, heads to space chef

When you think about the food that astronauts eat in space, Lobster, Haddock and Foie Gras probably don’t mind – but that’s exactly what French dinner at the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronaut Sophie Adenot partnered with the award-winning French chef An-Sofia PIC to create a menu of gastronomic temptations that will travel with adenot to the ISS next year.

Instead of the usual frozen nutrients that astronauts eat, adenot, 42-year-old, will choose from the likes of “Foie Gras Cream of toasted Brioche” and “Omar Candy and Kila Biscuits”.

The menu – which the European Space Agency (ESA) called “a pinch of France in space” – includes four beginners, two main courses and two desserts.

Adenot said that dishes, which also include beef and chocolate cream, will not only “please our palate”, but will also help her feel connected to the earth and her homeland.

“Her kitchen signature (PIC) is deeply influenced by the terror. This is important to me because I grew up in the countryside and this will remind me of my roots,” she was quoted in an ESA statement.

There are strict rules for the ISS food – it should be without crumb, light and maintained for at least 24 months, says ESA.

Therefore, most dishes are preserved, vacuum packed or frozen, with fresh fruits and vegetables a rare luxury that you can only enjoy when a spacecraft arrives with new stocks.

But to keep things interesting, to strengthen the morals and to help connect the crew, every tenth or so the meal is prepared for each astronaut, with these “bonus dishes” often in partnership with a chef.

Known for its Haute Cuisine, PIC, 55, there are the most Michelin stars for every female chef in the world – 10.

She says this project “presses the boundaries” of gastronomy as she worked with her team to create special food while being held within the framework of technical restrictions.

“Coaching for space is an exciting challenge,” she quoted by ESA.

Adenot says that it will share higher cuisine with its colleagues on board – after all, this is an important moment – the French gastronomic culture is the first time … alien.

Adenot, a former helicopter test and a rescue pilot, won a series of awards, including a medal, in honor of her gender equality.