At Valentina, while our roots are proudly Italian, our passion has always extended further, seeking out exceptional food from across Europe and beyond. French cuisine, with its deep respect for tradition, quality and craftsmanship, is a natural part of that journey.
Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the very best of French food, from everyday essentials to indulgent specialities, all carefully selected to bring something new to your table.
Discover the Flavours of France
Our shelves are filled with some of France’s most loved ingredients. From rich, creamy cheeses to bold, characterful classics, each one offers something unique. This month, we’re highlighting a special selection of French cheeses:
- Tomme de Normandie
- Époisses
- Mont Briac
- Tomme de Chèvre
Each cheese brings its own character, from earthy and rustic to rich and indulgent, perfect for building a simple sharing board or elevating your everyday meals.
Pair them with traditional pâtés, terrines and charcuterie to create effortless, elegant combinations at home.
In the pantry, you’ll find the building blocks of classic French cooking. Think Dijon mustard, cornichons, duck fat, lentils, and speciality sauces, all chosen for their quality and authenticity.
Alongside this, our fresh counters offer inspiration for easy meals, from salads and prepared dishes to accompaniments that bring everything together.
French Wines to Match Every Occasion
No French celebration would be complete without wine. Our range includes carefully selected bottles from some of France’s most renowned regions, as well as lesser-known finds that are just as exciting.
From crisp whites and elegant rosés to full-bodied reds, there is something to suit every taste and every table. Whether you are pairing with cheese, cooking a classic dish, or simply enjoying a glass in the evening, our selection has been chosen to complement the way you eat.
Bring French Cooking Home
French food is not about complexity, it is about quality. A few well-chosen ingredients can create something truly special.
One dish that captures this perfectly, and one you’ll often find inspiration for at our deli counter, is a classic ratatouille. Simple, seasonal and full of flavour, it’s a celebration of vegetables at their best.
Classic Ratatouille, the Valentina Way
Using ingredients you can find in store, this is a dish that’s as easy as it is rewarding.
What you’ll need:
Fresh aubergine, courgette and peppers
Ripe tomatoes or a quality tinned tomato
Garlic, the heart of every great dish
Extra virgin olive oil
A rich tomato base or passata
Dried herbs such as thyme or herbes de Provence
How to make it:
1. Gently cook garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add sliced peppers and allow them to soften.
2. In a separate pan, cook aubergine and courgette until lightly golden, then bring everything together. Add tomatoes, herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, then leave to simmer slowly until the vegetables are soft and the flavours have fully developed.
3. Finish with a touch more olive oil and serve warm.
This is a dish that works beautifully on its own, as a side to grilled meats, or alongside one of our featured French cheeses. Pair it with a glass of red from our French wine selection for a simple but complete meal.
Like everything at Valentina, it starts with carefully chosen ingredients and ends with something made to be shared.
A Month to Explore
April is the perfect time to explore something new. Whether you are rediscovering old favourites or trying French ingredients for the first time, our collection has been brought together to inspire.
Visit us in store at either our East Sheen or Weybridge Deli to discover our French selection, or explore a range of products online and bring a taste of France into your kitchen.
