Friday, May 23, 2014

THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL OF LONDON PRESENTS HELENE DARROZE, THEIR 2-MICHELIN STAR CHEF AND HER NEW MENU

KEE@FSWMAG.COM






 
HELENE DARROZE INTRODUCES A UNIQUE APPROACH TO HER NEW MENU AT THE CONNAUGHT,
AS THE RESTAURANT CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS IN LONDON
Celebrating a successful five years at her eponymous two Michelin-starred restaurant at The Connaught, Hélène Darroze is delighted to announce an innovative approach to her new menu.

A fourth generation chef, Hélène has spent a lifetime gathering an unrivalled network of suppliers in the UK and France, all of whom provide her with exceptional produce, of impeccable seasonality and provenance. Each day, she selects the very best and freshest ingredients and cooks them with precision, honesty and passion. The resulting, simple menu celebrates the tastes and textures of the most stunning individual produce, prepared in a way that allows each ingredient to shine.

Guests are presented with the menu in a unique format, with each of the twelve ‘products’ labeled on a marble ball on a traditional mahogany solitaire board. The menu is chosen by placing the chosen balls on the board and discarding the others, allowing the kitchen team to create a bespoke menu. In addition, the products can be preceded or followed by a daily changing starter and dessert to allow for further choice and variation. The three-course lunch menu is priced at £35, including a glass of wine for £42. Dinner can be taken as five, seven or nine courses, priced from £88.

Notable suppliers include Anne-Marie Vergez, the only woman in her field to fish in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, part of the Basque country. The prohibition of net fishing allows for the preservation of a superb natural environment, as the hake Anne-Marie catches is by line, ensuring the fish is in the best condition. The scallops hail from the pristine ‘Class A’ waters off the Scottish coast, an area considered to be the best in the world. Keltic Seafare hand dive for XXL scallops, around eight inches across, which Hélène serves with tandoori flavours, carrot and citrus.

Many of the suppliers are from the South West of France, where Hélène grew up in her family’s restaurant. The Darroze family has worked with Arnaud Tauzin for numerous years; his own family has farmed poultry since the 19th century, and is considered one of France’s most renowned producers. The chicken is fed on wholegrain and cow’s milk to give it its unique appearance and taste.

Hélène comments: “I’ve always been slightly obsessed in seeking out the finest ingredients, and believe the produce itself is the star of any dish. I am honoured to create a menu for our guests that showcases the outstanding producers who I’ve have the pleasure of working with for many years. They truly are the best of the best.”

Helene’s menu is a thrilling expression of French culinary craft, delivered with a contemporary flourish, enjoyed in a truly elegant setting. India Mahdavi’s calm, sophisticated interior houses a specially commissioned glasswork installation celebrating the visual beauty of the ingredients found in Hélène’s cooking. Her lifelong passion for the finest produce and incredible skill will be reflected in every aspect of one of Mayfair’s most intimate dining experiences.

About the Connaught
In the heart of London’s Mayfair, the Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze, the charm of the Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style.

About Maybourne Hotel Group
Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.

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Helene Darroze introduces a unique approach to her new menu at The Connaught
 
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Each day, Helene Darroze selects the very best and freshest ingredients and cooks them with precision, honesty and passion
 
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Hélène Darroze at The Connaught







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