Regards.

Presumably this is a reference to the film, which has "semi-cult" status in France but is virtually unknown in the UK. I can't think of a suitable cultural reference.

Furthermore, it's not clear what the chef is saying - fusion food or snacks from different countries??

I agree... It has to be a reference to that wonderful movie.

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Note added at 22 mins (2007-02-19 15:27:46 GMT)
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Wording it this way would preserve the original ambiguity as to whether the chef is referring to the cuisine, the clientele, or both.

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Note added at 23 mins (2007-02-19 15:28:43 GMT)
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Or perhaps a Pan-European crossroads?

"c'est l'auberge espagnole"
repas: everyone's bringing some food along | it's potluck (US)
situation chaotique: it's a madhouse *
Straight from Collins-Robert CD Rom, so I am quite sure

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Note added at 1 hr (2007-02-19 16:10:59 GMT)
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Although I don't necessarily consider Wikipedia the ultimate source, it does seem to support the friendly idea, as well as its 16th century origins. When my French clients request "international" English, American English is used as the default, not British English - though that is a matter for personal consideration. Here's the Wikipedia entry:

A potluck, also called potluck dinner, or covered dish supper, is a gathering of people where each participant is expected to bring a dish of food to be shared among the group. These gatherings are often organized by churches, mosques, covens and other community groups since they simplify the meal planning and distribute the costs among the participants. Smaller, more informal get-togethers may also occur in the form of potlucks.

In Indiana, the term "potluck" is virtually unkown. The appropriate term used is a "pitch-in".

The only traditional rule for dishes is that they be large enough to be shared among a good portion (but not necessarily all) of the anticipated guests. In the United States, jello salads and casseroles are popular, often as Italian-style dishes.

Such events can also go by the name "Jacob's join", in which each participant brings along as much food as he or she is likely to want to eat, but puts it into a common stock for the communal meal.

Another variation on potlucks is "rota" meals, short for rotation. With rota, rather than each person bringing a dish, participants take turns providing food for the entire group. For regular potlucks (e.g. daily, weekly or monthly) amongst a fairly consistent set of participants, this dramatically reduces the amount of preparation effort required. One popular and long-standing implementation of this approach can be found at Sirius, an intentional community in rural Massachusetts.

The word potluck is sometimes erroneously thought to originate from the Native American custom of potlatch but, in fact, is of English origin.

The word potluck dates from the sixteenth century, and the earliest written citation is 1592 - in England. ("That that pure sanguine complexion of yours may never be famisht with pot lucke", Thomas Nashe, see the Oxford English Dictionary for full reference). It is a portmanteau word formed from pot and luck.

A secondary use of the term is to refer to whatever food happens to be available, especially when offered to a guest. Another use also mentioned in dictionaries is "that which is tendered or available in certain circumstances or at a certain time".
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Must get back to work, friends! Good luck with potluck!

How about a 21st-century smorgasbord? We've gone from Spanish inn to British English to American potluck, but maybe the Germans got it right!

Priscilla

I agree with these terms proposed: (couldnt fit my comment in below) would definitely go along these lines- also because the chef is french and explained that he was making a mix of gastronomic dishes- The term "Auberge spagnol" is VERY COMMON in French- well before the movie was made- so unless there is some direct reference or theme in the article I would not take it as read that it refers to the film. It simply means you get what is put on the table. (actually- it traditionally means that each one brings something along and makes a contribution) but it doesnt seem to go well with a restaurant menu- unless it refers to different dishes prepared by different chefs and served all together- In that case that is the true meaning.

I don't think you can translate this literally. You may wish to add "modern" to refer to the part about the 21st century.

"L'auberge espagnole" literally translates as the Spanish inn, but it's also a French expression for a place where cultures are mixed together like a stew.
http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-espagnole16...

TimesDispatch.com | No storm can wash away the flavor of New Orleans
Richmond, Va.- Monday, Jan. 29, 2007. Keyword Site. News. ... The gumbolike blend of cultures and cooking styles is also infused with local flavor since ...
www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArt....


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Note added at 3 hrs (2007-02-19 18:17:11 GMT)
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Another word for "blend" = "fusion"

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Note added at 3 hrs (2007-02-19 18:24:51 GMT)
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The mix, blend, fusion... refers to the types of dishes, from snack types to more sophisticated dishes. I wasn't referring to mixing together the different ingredients of the various dishes.