This September 26, something exciting is brewing at the Ritz Paris. The celebrated hotel is about to unveil its brand-new fine-dining restaurant, Espadon, with Chef Eugénie Béziat at the helm. It’s a big deal because Béziat is breaking the mold as the Ritz’s first-ever female chef. Yes, you heard it right, and she’s ready to bring her unique flair to the table.
Born from South African and French origins, Béziat is not just any chef. She’s one of the rare Michelin-starred female chefs in Paris, and her food? It’s like a journey. She describes her culinary style as “French cuisine on the hunt for tastes and smells from faraway places.” Her dishes promise a thrilling exploration of different flavors – a dance of sweetness, bitterness, and spiciness on one plate.
“My signature could be defined as French cuisine constantly searching for tastes and smells from faraway places,” said Béziat. “It might be reminiscences of sun-scorched earth, a smoky note, the scent of a mango, or the heady memory of an iced Bissap (hibiscus flower) syrup that we always clamored for after school… A marriage of iodine and hot embers!”
Now, about the restaurant. Espadon is making a grand entrance back in its original spot, complete with a fabulous outdoor terrace connected to the Grand Jardin. It’s a cozy space with just 30 seats and the feel of a private dining room. The setting is nothing short of spectacular, and Béziat’s menu is bound to take guests on an adventure of tastes and aromas.
Her story is quite the tale, too. Before joining the Ritz, Béziat was honing her skills in a small town in the South of France, in the birthplace of August Escoffier – the chef who co-founded the hotel with César Ritz in 1898. Talk about coming full circle! But back to the food. Béziat’s dishes whisper stories of her childhood and adolescence in Africa – in places like Gabon, the Congo, and the Ivory Coast – combined with her Mediterranean roots from summers spent with family in Provence. Her cooking is like a heartfelt letter to her past, filled with notes of sun-scorched earth, the scent of mango, or the memory of an iced Bissap syrup after school. It’s a delightful melange, and you can tell each dish is crafted with love and a wealth of experience.
Adding to the excitement is the arrival of Pastry Chef François Perret and Director of Sommellerie Florian Guilloteau, who are all set to complement Béziat’s culinary journey with innovative desserts and refreshing beverages. Each meal promises to be a harmonious symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas. As Espadon opens its doors, it’s clear that it’s not just about food but the experience, the journey, and the stories each dish tells.
It’s a new chapter for the Ritz Paris, filled with anticipation and the promise of unforgettable dining. Chef Eugénie Béziat is not just serving meals; she’s inviting guests into a world of culinary exploration, a sensory adventure that tantalizes the palate and warms the soul. And with a 656 square-meter terrace that opens onto the Grand Jardin, diners are in for a treat of both flavors and breathtaking views. The combination of delectable dishes and a serene ambiance promises a dining experience like no other.