Ducasse Quits Ostape

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Two years ago, Super Chef reported that five Basque militants were detained in connection with the bombing of Alain Ducasse's Basque properties. In fact, the Basque properties were bombed again in June last year while 47 customers were staying at his hotel. Last Sunday, Reuters reported that Alain has withdrawn from the board of the Ostape restaurant and hotel complex in Bidarray, some 30 km south of Bayonne: BASQUE independence party Batasuna has overnight welcomed a decision by chef Alain Ducasse to withdraw from a hotel and restaurant complex near the Franco-Spanish border. "Batasuna is pleased with the decision of starred chef Alain Ducasse," the party said. "The withdrawal of Alain Ducasse should be an example to all other speculators who pillage and folklorise the Basque country with their tourism projects," Batasuna added. Alain has commented in public. The decision to withdraw, though completely understandable, is a great pity. The Basque country needs more investment, more economic growth spread equitably among the local population, and more tourism. Previous articles: Arrests for Atempted Bombings of Ducass's Ostape Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging, Batsuna, Basques, Basque Country --> back to Super Chef