Helene Darroze gets At.mosphere gig

The culinary creativity of Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze, France’s top female chef, will be showcased in Dubai for the first time with a three-day residency at At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant, from April 28 to 30.

Working in partnership with executive chef, Jitin Joshi, Hélène will bring her signature style to the city, drawing on both her southwestern French heritage and influences from her London and Moscow restaurants, to present an exclusive duo of degustation menus for lunch and dinner.

A fourth generation chef from a family with its own rich culinary history, her career path unusually began outside of the kitchen. A business degree initially took Darroze from the classroom to the hospitality industry, where she worked in a senior administrative role for legendary French chef Alain Ducasse at Monaco’s prestigious Le Louis XV restaurant; but it was only three years later that she made the move into the kitchen itself.

“I’m in the business of happiness and am rooted in tradition, so my philosophy is to create dishes that are dear to me, and which I hope will be dear to my guests. Wherever they dine under my name, they will savour dishes that incorporate emotion, authenticity, and creativity,” she said.

Darroze’s hard work was rewarded with two Michelin stars, which inspired her to take her experience and repertoire to new destinations, namely London and Moscow.

Her most recent venture, Moscow’s Raff House, which opened in 2012 in a magnificent 18^th century mansion once owned by Prince Alexander Volkonsky, is a partnership with fine jewellery exponents Nara and Rafael Papyan.

A unique combination of boutique and fine dining destination, Darroze has brought exceptional French cuisine to an appreciative Russian audience, blending tradition and history with contemporary flair and a sumptuous setting.

“For Dubai diners my emphasis will, as always, be on presenting exceptional quality ingredients with a native southwestern French influence. The region’s cuisine and geography are incredibly diverse, extending from Charentes to the Spanish Basque country, and I am looking forward to bringing a taste of my tradition to the Middle East, but delivered from a thoroughly modern perspective,” she added.

A three-course lunch menu is available from Dhs500 per person and a six-course dinner menu from Dhs1,200 per person.

For more information contact 04 8883828, or visit www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com