It's just so... French. In an audacious attempt to redefine the phrase "dining with a view," French company Zephalto plans to offer a Michelin-star-level meal on the edge of space by next year, reports CNN Travel.
Celeste, a pressurized capsule attached to a stratospheric balloon, is set to ferry six passengers above Earth for a three hour journey – just about the right amount of time for an 'out there' multi-course, fine dining menu - complete with French wine, of course. How does a wine buzz feel that high in the stratosphere, anyway?
The gastronomic trip to the edge of space means guests won't experience zero gravity or weightlessness - which is just as well. You don't need your Michelin-quality food floating in the air along with your elegant silverware.
Founded by Vincent Farret d’Astiès, the space tourism venture is currently selling “pre-reservation tickets” for 10,000 euros (roughly CAD $14,500) which will give purchasers a chance to reserve a seat whenever tickets go on sale.
The cost of the 'voyage' itself might leave a bad taste in your mouth however, coming in at 120,000 euros.
However, it seems some foodies are already 'eating it up.' Zephalto said seats on board the first flights from late 2024 to mid-2025 have already been sold, and the next tranche, from mid-2025, are in pre-reservation sales.
While the view and overall journey remains the central focus of the offering, Zephalto is keen that “chefs are able to exercise their creative license.” Prospective chefs have yet to be announced, but knowing how seriously the French take their cuisine, expectations are 'stratospheric.'
Zephalto isn’t the only company hoping to transport passengers in a fancy hot air balloon. Floridian company Space Perspective is currently taking reservations for its Spaceship Neptune.
But perhaps only the French would make even a trip to the edge of space... all about the food.
