Ever wondered where a top chef wines and dines, when not at his own restaurant? A French culinary star reveals his favourite bars and restaurants in Paris
Becoming a chef wasn’t always what Jean-Francois Piege had in mind. In fact, the 49-year-old chef, who starred as a jury member in France’s version of popular TV show Top Chef, revealed to CNA Luxury that his childhood dream was to become a gardener.
“But it was the garden that eventually led me to the kitchen,” Piege explained. “In the garden, you find ingredients that can be used in the kitchen.”
Piege may not have realised his childhood dream, but he has certainly found undeniable success in the culinary world. He currently helms several restaurants in the gourmet city of Paris, including the two Michelin starred Le Grand Restaurant and stylish, 10-table eatery Clover. In 2018, Piege also took over and revived the historic La Poule Au Pot restaurant, which first opened back in 1935.
With several well-acclaimed restaurants under his belt, Piege's schedule is understandably packed. On top of managing his restaurants, Piege is also travelling around the globe on a campaign together with French cognac brand Remy Martin. On January 6, he made a stop in Singapore for a special, one-night-only four-hands dinner with chef Kirk Westaway of Jaan. Together, the chefs created a series of innovative food pairings that showcased the aromatic elegance of Remy Martin cognacs.
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