Paul Bocuse is a celebrated French restaurant in Lyon, France. For most gastronomes, this is one of the must-try restaurants in the world. For those living in Asia, you may wonder why it is a must-try? If we tell you that this year is the 50th anniversary that Paul Bocuse has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, how will you, as a real gourmet, think? We are sure, you will feel excited.
And, if we tell you that you don’t need to fly to Lyon to experience such culinary excitement, how will you feel? Delighted? If we further tell you that Paul Bocuse’s Master Chef Gilles Reinhardt is now in Bangkok to bring you the best 3-Michelin-star dining experience, how will you feel? We are not surprised if you will want to meet him and even want to experience his culinary delights.
The interview with Master Chef Gilles, though brief, did ensure one thing about the upcoming wine dinner created by him at Pullman King Power Hotel – it is definitely an event you should not miss. The passion of Master Chef Gilles in bringing us the taste of French Novelle Cuisine is impressive.
1. Can you share with us your most unforgettable moment in you professional career as a master chef?
It was when I was 28 that I earned the title of ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’. I viewed it as recognition of my work which is the result of my efforts and determination. Earning the title also means that my main role is to transmit my knowledge and my technical skills to the young generation which goes along with humility and simplicity, the values Monsieur Paul Bocuse promoted throughout his life. The moment where I received the award was a moving moment. Monsieur Paul himself gave me the medal with tears in his eyes, he was so touched! I sensed that I had to win this award or I might have lost his trust.
2. For the set menu prepared for the wine dinner at Wine Pub from 3 to 6 June, what sort of culinary surprises do you intend to bring the diners? Will there be any signature dish from Paul Bocuse?
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Paul Bocuse, I will of course present the famous Truffle soup V.G.E. which is made of black truffles and foiegras in a beef consommé and which is covered with a pastry hat. It is one of the highlights of Paul Bocuse’s establishment and created especially for another former French President Valery Giscard d’Estaing at the Elysée Palace of Paris in 1975.
3. As a Master Chef of such a celebrated restaurant in Lyon, you may face different problems, special requests from diners, pressure to maintain high quality for your dishes, how do you handle stress while always deliver the best quality dishes?
What is important is to be happy! I like my job and I always feel good when I am cooking. I lead the team and I apply it to myself everyday not to make good food but excellent one! Keeping our three Michelin stars is a daily challenge for all of us. This is why I make a point of being a role model for our young employees.
4. Understanding that it may not be your first time traveling to Asia, what kind of Asian food do you like and which kind of Asian cuisine may give you some inspiration in your cooking?
There is only one cuisine for me: the one that tastes good. As Vincent Van Gogh once quoted “Comme il est difficile d’être simple” or ‘How difficult it is to be simple’, I held this as my cooking philosophy and try to create outstanding yet simple dishes every time I cook.
5. Please talk about 50th Anniversary of L’Auberge Du Pont de Collonges
L’Auberge Du Pont de Collonges is the very first and only restaurant in the world that can retain 3-Michelin Star status for 50 consecutive years, which is a stunning feat. Selected Master Chefs have traveled to Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand to cook a special dinner featuring Paul Bocuse’s dishes. Among the three countries, Thailand is very special as we have 4 days of 3-Michelin Star dinner at Pullman Bangkok King Power while Dubai and Singapore only have 1 night each of this special dinner.
6. This is the second time that you return to Pullman Bangkok King Power, how do you feel ? And what is the special menu do you prepare for Thai people?
As mentioned, this is a very special event and I am glad to be back here at Pullman Bangkok King Power. This time, I would you celebrate Monsieur Paul Bocuse by cooking his famous dishes including the black truffle soup V.G.E. which will be served in a specially made cup engraved with the name of former French president whom Monsieur Paul served his original soup to. Other than this, Thai guests will have 4 nights that they can bring their loved ones to experience the taste of French Novelle Cuisine without having to fly to L’Auberge Du Pont de Collonges in France.
We all know it is never easy to be a Master Chef in any one of the famous restaurants around the globe. With this kind of devotion and passion in cuisines, we are sure Master Chef Gilles Reinhardt will not disappoint your taste buds, and will definitely bring you the most authentic Paul Bocuse’s dining experience right here in Bangkok.
Dates: Wednesday 3rd – Saturday 6th June 2015 at Wine Pub, from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs.
3-Course Set Menu, THB 2,999 net per person
4-Course Set Menu, THB 3,999 net per person
5-Course Set Menu, THB 5,555 net per person
For more information: https://www.gourmetbangkok.com/chef-gilles-reinhardt-pullman-bangkok/