This Thursday, December 26, the town of Rion-des-Landes buried its ambassador. The famous cook Maïté passed away on the night of December 20 to 21. Nearly a thousand locals came to pay tribute to him and salute a colorful career.
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On the square in front of the church of Saint-Barthélemy, the atmosphere is as solemn as it is family-friendly this Thursday, December 26. The town of Rion-des-Landes pays a final tribute to its ambassador, the famous cook Maïté, who died at the age of 86 on the night of December 20 to 21. If his family and loved ones are obviously present at the funeral, nearly a thousand local residents absolutely wanted to greet this icon of French television. “She always had a word, she was an adorable woman, with her heart on her sleeve, really, I have no words”, breathes a resident.
Many people, including many locals, were present at the funeral.
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© France Télévisions
And for good reason, for several years, Maïté had resettled in the town where she came from, here, in her native Landes. A strong local identity, which it proudly claimed through its local recipes and its marked southwest accent. For many, she proudly embodied the gastronomy of the region. “His stories about eels and ducks were memorable.” says this resident with a smile.
Others go even further and remember, not without emotion, the banter and outspokenness of the star of La Cuisine des Mousquetaires which highlighted its origins. “It was our brand image for us little Landers who were a little lost in France. It brought a ray of sunshine to our region, it was fantastic,” confides this resident.
Guest books were available to people who came to pay homage to Maïté.
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© France Télévisions
Several guest books were placed here and there in the church of Saint-Barthelémy and were filled over the hours. On her coffin, a photo of her in an apron. In a speech, Jean-Claude Sire, director of programs for France 3 Aquitaine from 1986 to 2000, praised the authenticity “of the daughter of the Landes”. “You will be able to invade the kitchens of paradise, the angels will feast”, he declared.
The farewell ceremony lasted more than two hours. As a symbol, it ended in music with the Gascon song “Estelle de la mâ”, performed by his friend and singer, Michel Etcheverry.
