Tuesday Evening, May 28th
We’ve come to our final fine dining dinner reservation in Paris and I must say, I have been anxiously awaiting this moment at Le Pré Catelan. If ever there were a place where one can loose themselves in otherness this is where you should do it. As I researched Le Pré Catelan, not only did the history of this place fascinate me but in the process, I discovered Mr. Jean-Jacques CHAUVEAU, the true embodiment of commitment, dedication and service. Mr. CHAUVEAU has spent over 30 years at Le Pré Catelan. During his tenure, the prestigious award of “Best Waiter” has been bestowed upon him twice among all the directors of three starred Michelin restaurants throughout the world. First in 2007 when the coveted three stars were awarded and in 2012. I also came across this “translated” quote from Mr. CHAUVEAU which speaks volumes to his success.
“The 30 years of my life dedicated to Pre Catelan and my entire career with Lenotre allow me tonight to tell you that constancy and fidelity rhyme with ambition and success. Do not be afraid to invest you in the long run within a company, a group, a string. Professional zapping is not necessarily a panacea. Never forget that you are the guardians of a heritage expertise to the French. And you are the ambassadors of luxury in the world.”
Located in the Bois de Boulogne, this majestic Napoleon III edifice, thanks to Haussmann, is all about grandeur. The setting is one wrapped in timeless charm and elegance – – this is crème de la crème materialized. With three Michelin Stars crowning Chef Frédéric Anton playground, he meticulously and carefully orchestrates a “Once if a Lifetime” dining experience and proves that perfection does indeed exist. Chef Anton’s influential journey to Le Pré Catelan started in Lille at Le Flambard with Monsieur Robert Bardot and then to Les Crayères with Monsieur Gérard Boyer in Reims. He then became chef de cuisine with Monsieur Joël Robuchon, where he stayed for seven years, until 1996. In 1997, he became Chef de Cuisine of Le Pré Catelan and on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 I experienced the culmination of this impressive journey via the tasting menu. May the following delight and entice your next fine dining reservation in Paris.
Mr. CHAUVEAU, I thank you for welcoming us to Le Pré Catelan in the grandest of fashion and for allowing us to experience that which you’ve been professionally recognized and praised for executing so well. We look forward to returning and enjoying a repeat performance as Le Pré Catelan has become one of our hospitality and gastronomic sanctuaries.
Now I close this amazing evening with a quote from Chef Frédéric Anton for it is most fitting for that which is desired when perfection is your vision and guide.
“I am from the Vosges, a region known for its work ethic and I like rigour and precision. My cuisine is simple, flavourful and sophisticated. I try to discover harmonies of flavours and this is my philosophy: even if perfection is not of this world, that’s no excuse not to try to attain it.”
Visit: Le Pré Catelan, where the attempts to reach perfection are perfection!!!!
UP NEXT: The nectar of the gods!!!!!!!
Sagacious Palate 